Sampdoria-Milan, Cristian Zapata challenges his cousin

The real surprise, if it can be called so, of AC Milan that today at 12.30 faces Sampdoria away is not so much the return of the attacking tandem Suso-Kalinic from the first minute, but the presence of a defender in the back line of three.

Vincenzo Montella has decided to confirm Cristian Zapata as centre back with Bonucci and Romagnoli in the 3-5-2 of today’s at Marassi. Everyone expected to see Mateo Musacchio on the field, the first purchase of the Chinese era in Casa Milan, but it seems that the manager still favors the Colombian who against Spal did not disappoint at all and therefore will be rewarded with another starter spot. No feelings hurt for Musacchio, who will return soon to play from the start, maybe already on Thursday in Europa League.

Zapata is polished as a center-right defender in the three-defenders line drawn by Montella, a role that allows him to be more covered at the sides and play with speed. In addition, as Corriere dello Sport writes, he will find his cousin Duvan Zapata, Colombian striker of Sampdoria. It will be a family challenge between two giants, given the physicality and power of the attacking 26 year old ex Napoli. One of the many duels in Sampdoria versus Milan.