Pioli loses striker before Sampdoria vs Milan

Coach Stefano Pioli is set to make a couple of formation changes for Sampdoria and AC Milan. Origi is out due to injury.

The first round of Champions League is over. AC Milan made their debut against Red Bull Salzburg with a draw. Net week the Rossoneri will host Dinamo Zagreb but first it’s time for Sampdoria vs AC Milan. Stefano Pioli’s squad will search their first victory away from San Siro this season after three consecutive draws.

Pioli is expected to make a couple of changes to his formation starting from the defence. Simon Kjaer will finally make his first minute debut after so many months out. The Denmark captain will return at the heart of the defence alongside Fikayo Tomori. Kalulu will be rested. Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez will complete the back four.

Another change will be in midfield. Tommaso Pobega will start from the first minute in Sampdoria vs Milan. The 23-year-old  Italian midfielder will play alongside Sandro Tonali. Ismael Bennacer, who has been excellent so far, will be given a chance to rest with Adli expected to make an appearance in the second half.

Alexis Saelemaekers’ goal against RB Salzburg will not be enough for him to earn a confirmation for Sampdoria vs Milan. Once again it will be Junior Messias to play on the right wing. The Brazilian, together with Charles De Ketelaere and Rafael Leao, will be in support of Olivier Giorud.

Divock Origi was supposed to lead the attack against Sampdoria but the Belgian striker has suffered an injury on his left thigh and will not be available tonight. Origi joined AC Milan this summer on a free transfer from Liverpool but his integration has been a bit slow to due continuous physical problems. Rebic is out as well.

SAMPDORIA Probable XI (4-1-4-1): Audero, Bereszynski, Ferrari, Colley, Augello, Gabbiadini, Rincon, Djuricic, Sabiri, Quagliarella, Caputo.

AC MILAN Probable XI (4-2-3-1):Maignan, Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Tonali, Pobega, Messias, De Ketelaere, Leao, Giroud.

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