AC Milan will make their Europa League debut against Shamrock Rovers but injuries have limited Pioli’s formation choices.
On Thursday night, 17 September, AC Milan make their European seasonal debut in Ireland against Shamrock Rovers. The first real test for the Rossoneri before the beginning of Serie A.
According to Corriere dello Sport, coach Stefano Pioli still has several doubts about the starting line-up of Shamrock vs Milan. Certainly Ante Rebic will be missing due to an old suspension imposed by UEFA, but also the injured Andrea Conti, Alessio Romagnoli and Rafael Leao. All three have not yet started their preparations and are unlikely to be on the pitch on Thursday.
There are doubts also about Zlatan Ibrahimovic who missed the match against Brescia because of a severe bruise on his leg. The Swedish striker is currently recovering but his presence is not yet 100% certain.
In defense, Pioli is expected to make obligatory choices. Gigio Donnarumma in goal, Calabria and Theo Hernandez as full-backs while Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia will compose the central duo. Just like in the last friendly match.
In midfield guaranteed confirmations for Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer. New signing Sandro Tonali has yet to be allowed to play in the Europa League preliminaries.
Confusion about the choices in attack. Pioli will certainly focus on Calhanoglu as playmaker, presumably with Castillejo and Brahim Diaz on the flanks. But with the possible absence of Ibrahimovic, Diaz’s advancement as a ‘false 9’ and the inclusion of Saelemaekers on the left side should not be ruled out.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Kessie, Bennacer; Castillejo, Calhanoglu, Diaz (Saelemaekers); Ibrahimovic (Diaz/Colombo).
