AC Milan make their Europa League debut against Celtic Glasgow in Scotland. Coach Pioli will make many changes for this match.
The derby win is still fresh in the memory of the Rossoneri fans. After a fantastic victory against the city-rivals of Inter, AC Milan travel to Scotland for the first match of the Europa League group stage. Celtic vs Milan will be played at 21:00 CET, tonight at Celtic Park. In 10 games between AC Milan and Celtic, the Rossoneri have won 6, losing just one and 3 have ended in draw.
Coach Stefano Pioli seems oriented to changes nearly half of the squad for Celtic vs Milan following the derby win. It’s worth mentioning that for this match the Rossoneri will be without the services of Hakan Calhanoglu who will probably stay out for two weeks.
Only one change in defence. Apparently Ciprian Tatarusanu will have to wait more until his debut with Gigio Donnarumma once again protecting the goal. Captain Alessio Romagnoli who made his seasonal debut in the derby needs more minutes to build moment and will partner with Kjaer at the heart of the defence. Theo Hernandez and Diogo Dalot complete the back four. Calabria will be rested and Diogo Dalot will make his debut with the Rossoneri.
In Europa League, it’s time for Sandro Tonali to start from the first minute alongside Kessie. As expected the Italian talent will be inserted in the first team gradually with Bennacer currently being irreplaceable for Pioli. Most likely it will be Rade Krunic to profit from Calhanoglu’s absence in a type of formation that may be close to 4-3-3- rather than the usual 4-2-3-1.
Brahim Diaz, who was in great form with Spain U-21 on international duty, will play on the left with Rafael Leao once again forced to start from the bench. The Portuguese shined in the derby but will not have the chance to repeat himself against Celtic Glasgow. Samu Castillejo may be preferred on the other winger over Alexis Saelemaekers. The two will be in support of Zlatan Ibrahimovic who seems in peak form despite his years.
CELTIC (3-5-2): Barkas; Ralston, Duffy, Ajer; Frimpong, Ntcham, Brown, McGregor, Laxalt; Elyounoussi, Griffiths.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma, Dalot, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Hernandez, Kessie, Tonali, Krunic, Castillejo, Diaz, Ibrahimovic.
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