Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in the league but, in Cagliari to defend the first place in the standings, Milan will have to do without Hakan Calhanoglu and Theo Hernandez positive at Covid, with the Frenchman who would have trained in a group yesterday.
Yet another tile on the eve of the game, yet another setback to manage for Stefano Pioli who has been dealing with heavy defections in all departments since before Christmas.
"They are important absences. It is this type of season - minimizes the Rossoneri coach - the critical issues are there and can come at any moment. For this we must have a team ready. We have always been good at doubling our energies in case of need. The guys I have available will have a good race. "
But the positivity of two fundamental players such as Calhanoglu - a key man in the Rossoneri game - and Hernandez - one of the best full-backs in Europe who reassured everyone on social media by saying he is fine but remembering that "we must be cautious and respect the rules" - throws in discouragement of the fans on social media.
Rebic and Krunic, who had a positive swab on January 6, are still not negativized.
Their absences are then added to those of Bennacer and Gabbia, injured, and Leao disqualified.
But the second transfer market hit after Meitè takes care of calming the spirits: Mario Mandzukic.
The striker, released after the end of his relationship with Al-Duhai, has reached an agreement with the Rossoneri club for a six-month contract for 1.8 million.
There would then be the option for automatic renewal in case of Champions League qualification.
The Croatian is enthusiastic and ensures a very good form.
Probable formations of Cagliari-Milan.
Cagliari (4-3-2-1): 28 Cragno;
25 Zappa, 40 Walukiewicz, 2 Godin, 22 Lykogiannis;
4 Nainggolan, 8 Marin, 12 Caligara;
18 Sottil, 10 Joao Pedro;
9 Simeon.
(31 Vicario, 1 Aresti, 23 Ceppitelli, 3 Tripaldelli, 19 Pisacane, 17 Tramoni, 37 Ounas, 20 Pereiro, 27 Cerri, 30 Pavoletti).
Coach: Di Francesco.
Disqualified: Nandez.
Warning: Pavoletti.
Unavailable: Faragò, Klavan, Luvumbo, Rog.
Milan (4-2-3-1): 99 G.Donnarumma;
2 Calabria, 24 Kjaer, 13 A.Romagnoli, 5 Dalot;
8 Tonali, 79 Kessié;
7 Castillejo, 21 B. Diaz, 15 Hauge;
11 Ibrahimovic.
(1 Tatarusanu, 90 A.
Donnarumma, 14 Conti, 20 Kalulu, 22 Musacchio, 19 Hernandez, 43 Duarte, 10 Calhanoglu, 29 Colombo, 27 Maldini).
Coach: Pioli.
Disqualified: Leao.
Be wary: Calabria, A.Romagnoli.
Unavailable: Bennacer, Gabbia, Krunic, Rebic, Saelemaekers.
Referee: Abyss of Palermo.
Snai odds: 5.50;
4.50;
1.55.