AC Milan v Monza kicks off at 12:30 CEST on matchday 16 of Serie A.
The Eve
AC Milan want to build on their win against Newcastle. There is no time to dwell on the bitterness of elimination, no time to dwell on the mistakes made. AC Milan must turn the page after the farewell to Europe that counts and rediscover the enthusiasm to revive the season, starting with the championship. The second half against Newcastle highlighted the potential of the Rossoneri, tenacious, stubborn, with that fighting spirit that has too often been lacking this season. Slowly the injury emergency is receding and against Monza, in a match made up of historical entanglements, the first at San Siro after the death of Silvio Berlusconi, Milan can breathe a half sigh of relief.
Because on the one hand there is the return of Kjaer who is training with the group after a month and a half of absence. His presence from the first minute should be assessed, because the Dane will not have the 90 minutes in his legs. Alternatively, Simic is ready to pair up with Tomori. This time, in fact, Theo Hernandez will not be able to be used. The French will return to push on the wing because we must make up for the absence of Calabria, disqualified after the expulsion against Atalanta, a red that condemned Milan to defeat. Musah is also out and is not at his best due to fatigue. In his place, one of Pobega and Bennacer will play with the Italian in the lead for a starting jersey. In attack, the trio Leao-Giroud-Pulisic is confirmed, with the Portuguese called upon to find the goal again also to carry the team on his shoulders at a time when they need to react.
AC Milan are far from the top, there is a long way to go. But Juventus' unexpected draw against Genoa offers the chance to get closer to the Bianconeri and bring the gap to five points. Monza, however, is not an opponent to be underestimated. Because the Brianzas have often struggled with the big ones but came close to success against Allegri's team and have the consistency of performance that Milan has lacked so far. Stefano Pioli enjoys the club's trust but now we need results and the positive ones cannot be sporadic.
In the coming days, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to visit the team at Milanello in the role of Advisor to the ownership and advisor to the directors. But Pioli hopes the team doesn't need the former champion's shake-up. We need the three points to consolidate third place. We have to end the year with three wins, to give a test, a demonstration of strength and send a clear message to their rivals: Milan are there despite the Champions League.
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