Cagliari vs Milan, probable lineups

AC Milan face Cagliari tonight at the Sardegna Arena. The Rossoneri are close to becoming winter champions.

Serie A leaders AC Milan face Cagliari in the penultimate match of the first half of the season. A win in Cagliari vs Milan would practically allow the Rossoneri to be crowned winter champions just like what happened ten years ago.

Even for Cagliari vs Milan coach Stefano Pioli will have to deal with many absences. Gabbia, Rebic, Krunic, Bennacer, Theo Hernandez and Hakan Calhanoglu are out because of injuries and Covid while Rafael Leao is suspended for this match.

The absence of Theo Hernandez forces Pioli to make one change in the back four. Davide Calabria returns on the right back position after the experiments in midfield. Diogo Dalot will replace Theo on the left with Simon Kjaer and captain Romagnoli forming the central duo. Gigio Donnarumma as always between the posts.

Since the long injury of Ismael Benancer, Franck Kessie has partnered with Sandro Tonali in midfield. The Italian youngster is slowly establishing himself as a key player for the Rossoneri’s midfield.

A couple of changes in attack. Samuel Castillejo has been battling with injuries in recent days but he will start on the right because Saelemaekers has just joined the squad and is not ready to play from the first minute. Jens Peter Hauge will be given another first minute start with Brahim Diaz repalcing Hakan in support of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker is ready to lead the Rossoneri again.

CAGLIARI (4-2-3-1): Cragno, Zappa, Godin, Walukiwicz, Lykogiannis, Nainggolan, Marin, Pereiro, Joao Pedro, Sottil, Simeone.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma, Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Dalot, Kessie, Tonali, Castillejo, Brahim Diaz, Hauge, Ibrahimovic.

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