AC Milan start the new year with a home match against Sampdoria. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eager to give a helping hand.
Tomorrow, at 15:00 CET, at the San Siro, AC Milan make their new year debut against relegation-threatened Sampdoria. The Rossoneri are in desperate need to bounce back and save the season and thankfully Zlatan Ibrahimovic is here to help.
The friendly match against Rhodense confirmed that the Swedish giant is in excellent physical form but he will start from the bench tomorrow with Piatek set to lead the attacking trio. Nevertheless, a significant contribution from Ibrahimovic in the second-half is expected against Samp.
“I’m happy and I want to play. I hope to be on the pitch already against Sampdoria. I’m feeling fine“, the Swedish striker declared yesterday. And the demonstration came shortly after with the 9-0 result in a friendly match against Rhodense. A goal and an assist, this was the product of Ibra’s first performance in his second spell with AC Milan. A clear message to Stefano Pioli, who seem already convinced by Zlatan.
There will be only one change in defence for Milan vs Sampdoria. Theo Hernandez returns after a one match suspension and will take back his starting spot on the left. Davide Calabria will be on the right, instead of Andrea Conti, with Mateo Musacchio and Alessio Romagnoli forming the central duo. Gigio Donnarumma will be as always between the posts.
Pioli has one big doubt for Milan vs Sampdoria and it concerns the midfield department. Lucas Paqueta, Krunic and Franck Kessie are battling for one available spot in the middle of the part with the Ivorian slightly favorite. Kessie should start on the right Giacomo Bonaventura on the left and Ismael Bennacer at the center. In attack Suso and Hakan Calhanoglu will complete the attacking trio.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez; Kessie (Krunic), Bennacer, Bonaventura; Suso, Calhanoglu, Piatek.
SAMPDORIA (4-4-2): Audero; Bereszynski, Murilo, Colley, Murru; De Paolo, Ekdal, Vieira, Linetty; Quagliarella, Gabbiadini.
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