In the first Serie A match of 2019 AC Milan travel to Genoa. After a business meeting for Piatek it’s time for the two clubs to meet on the pitch on Monday.
AC Milan and Genoa have been discussing the transfer of Piatek to the Rossoneri lately but on Monday the two teams face at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the first round of Serie A in 2019. After the Super Cup disappointment AC Milan must concentrate on the league to achieve a place in the top four.
Three Rossoneri players are suspended for this match including coach Gennaro Gattuso and the club doctor. Captain Romagnoli, Calabria and Kessie will skip Genoa-Milan, courtesy of the Italian football federation. Rino is forced to make certain changes especially in defence where Andrea Conti will finally make his first minute debut.
Gigio Donnarumma as always between the posts with the four man defence in front of him. The suspension of Calabria has offered Conti the opportunity to debut from the first minute on the right although there is still a good chance that Abate starts. Ricardo Rodriguez on the other flank while Zapata and Musacchio complete the back line. The Argentine too returns from the first minute after a long injury.
In midfield, compared to recent outings, AC Milan will make only one change. Jose Mauri will take Kessie’s spot in the starting eleven. Kessie received a red card in the Super Cup final. Bakayoko and Lucas Paqueta will complete the midfield department. The Brazilian has integrated well and will direct the Rossoneri’s game for the first time in Serie A.
In attack Gattuso has dropped Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine striker will leave for Chelsea in the coming days so for Genoa-Milan, Rino will rely on Patrick Cutrone. The good news for this match is the return of Suso. The Spaniard seems fully fit and will take Castillejo’s spot on the right. Hakan Calhanoglu will start as left winger.
GENOA (3-5-2): Radu; Biraschi, Romero, Criscito; Lazovic, Romulo, Bessa, Rolon, Pezzella; Kouamè, Favilli.
AC MILAN (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Conti (Abate), Musacchio, Zapata, Rodriguez; Paqueta, Bakayoko, Mauri; Suso, Cutrone, Calhanoglu.
