Sampdoria vs AC Milan, probable lineups
AC Milan make their new year debut in Coppa Italia against Sampdoria. Lucas Paqueta is also expected to make his first appearance as a Rossonero.
In these cold days transfer market issues have been a hot topic at Casa Milan with Gonzalo Higuain at the center of controversies. Now it’s time for the pitch to do the talk. Today’s Sampdoria-Milan, is the debut match of the Rossoneri in 2019. The Coppa Italia encounter is going to be the last stop before the Super Cup clash against Juventus.
Sampdoria-Milan is going to be a very good opportunity for several players that have played less this season. Coach Gennaro Gattuso will start the new year with Pepe Reina between the posts. The four man defence will change a bit with Ignazio Abate set to return in his natural position as right back and one between Diego Laxalt (the favorite) and Rodriguez on the left. Yet again Andrea Conti will start from the bench. Musacchio and captain Romagnoli form the central duo.
In midfield Rino will present the same set up we have seen lately. Bakayoko and Kessie are tasked to destroy and recover while it’s up to Hakan Calhanoglu to provide the creative spark. The Turkish midfielder who is rumored to have closed a transfer to RB Leipzig (read here) has often played as central midfielder recently to cover for the absence of both Biglia and Bonaventura.
AC Milan new January signing Lucas Paqueta is expected to make his debut from the first minute today. Fans are eager to see what the Brazilian wizard could offer to the Rossoneri this season. Suso is unavailable for this match because of fitness issues so Castillejo will take his place in the attacking trio. Once again, El Pipita Higuain will lead the attack.
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SAMPDORIA (4-3-1-2): Audero; Sala, Tonelli, Andersen, Murru; Praet, Ekdal, Linetty; Saponara (Ramirez); Quagliarella, Caprari (Defrel). All. Giampaolo.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Reina; Abate, Musacchio (Zapata), Romagnoli, Rodriguez (Laxalt); Kessié, Bakayoko, Paquetà; Castillejo, Higuain, Calhanoglu.