For the upcoming league match against Lazio coach Pioli is planning to give Saelemaekers a rest with Alessandro Florenzi likely taking his spot.
After the international break, AC Milan will have three very demanding matches to face. Lazio arrive at San Siro on Sunday, then on Wednesday the Rossoneri travel to Liverpool for their Champions League debut and the following Sunday there is the away match in Torino against Juventus.
Stefano Pioli will have to study how to best manage his players. It is highly possible that someone will be spared against Lazio in anticipation of the very difficult challenge against Liverpool. For example, Alexis Saelemaekers could be rested for the Lazio match. Corriere dello Sport reports that the Belgian right winger will be the last to return from commitments with his national team so mostly likely Pioli will try to keep him fresh for Champions.
Alessandro Florenzi is the main candidate to replace Saelemaekers. The former Roma full-back took over from the Belgian against Sampdoria and Cagliari, doing well in the second half. Against Lazio, as an ex Roma captain, Florenzi would certainly have great motivations to give a great performance.
Florenzi is a player who offers Pioli many solutions. He occupy all the positions on the right flank. He can be Davide Calabria’s substitute in defence but he can also be deployed in a more advanced position.
After some criticisms for the not so exceptional performance in Italy vs Bulgaria, the 30-year-old has a huge desire for redemption and Pioli could give him the perfect chance against Lazio. AC Milan vs Lazio will be held at San Siro at 18:00 CET.
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