AC Milan need to make a reaction after what happened in Serie A and Pioli is set to make same important changes against Newcastle.
AC Milan vs Newcastle will be the opening Champions League match of the new season. The Rossoneri will host the Magpies at San Siro tomorrow, at 18:45 CET, in what will surely be on the most exciting games of the group stage. Stefano Pioli’s squad need to bounce back after the shocking defeat against Inter while Sandro Tonali make his return at San Siro.
AC Milan were drawn in the most difficult Champions League group so they need to start on the right foot. AC Milan invited Zlatan Ibrahimovic to inject some motivation in the squad after the Inter debacle. The Italian club needs to react and Stefano Pioli will make several changes for tomorrow’s Milan vs Newcastle.
The Rossoneri offered a horror show in defence against Inter. However, Pioli has decided to trust again on Malick Thiaw. Simon Kjaer will be rested while Pierre Kalulu is not yet fit. Thiaw will partner with Fikayo Tomori at the heart of the defence while Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria complete the back four.
Pioli is oriented to make one big change in midfield. The Italian coach will likely rest Tijjani Reijnders in favor of Tommaso Pobega. It will be the first start for the Italian central midfielder. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Rade Krunic will play alongside Pobega. The trio will contrast Tonali has recovered and will start for Newcastle.
Another big change is projected for the attack. AC Milan will finally unleash Samuel Chukwueze against Newcastle. The Nigerian right winger will finally make his first minute debut after playing a reduced role in the four Serie A games so far. Once again Olivier Giroud will lead the attack with Rafael Leao on the left side.
AC MILAN Probable XI (4-3-3): Maignan, Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Pobega, Chukwueze, Rafael Leao, Giroud.
NEWCASTLE Probable XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
READ MORE: Newcastle preparing new bid for AC Milan star after Tonali