Tonight, AC Milan will play their last chance of progress to the next stage of Champions League against Porto.
The Rossoneri return to play in the Champions League tonight at 18:45 CET, at San Siro. Stefano Pioli’s squad are currently leading Serie A but have been unable to performs similarly in Europe. In fact, a win in Milan vs Porto represents the last chance for the Rossoneri to progress in the next stage.
Coach Stefano Pioli is planning the Porto match with the upcoming derby on his mind. Captain Alessio Romagnoli and Fikayo Tomori are set to form the central duo at the heart of the defence. Simon Kjaer will be given a rest. Theo Hernandez (suspended for Inter) will start on the left flank with captain Calabria on the right. Ciprian Tatarusanu will protect the goal in Maignan’s absence.
There is the usual doubt in midfield. Sandro Tonali will start from the first minute but the name of his partner is not yet clear. Franck Kessie seems in advantage over Ismael Bennacer.
Brahim Diaz will return in the attacking midfielder role after a long pause due to Covid. The Spaniard is finally fully recovered and ready to start from the first minute. Alexis Saelemaekers and Rafael Leao are obligated choices for Pioli on the wings because Ante Rebic has not yet recovered. Although Rade Krunic instead of Leao could be the big surprise according to Gazzetta.
In today’s press conference Stefano Pioli confirmed his big doubt for Milan vs Porto. It’s a duel between Ibrahimovic and Giroud. “I still have to decide. At the end of today’s training session I will understand who to deploy in attack“. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the French striker will lead the attack.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu, Theo Hernandez, Romagnoli, Tomori, Calabria, Tonali, Bennacer, Leao, Diaz, Saelemaekers, Giroud.
PORTO (4-4-2): Costa, Sanusi, Marcano, Pepe, Corona, Diaz, Oliveira, Grujic, Otavio, Martinez, Taremi.
