Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
It’s protected to say that Milan is in determined want of a turnaround after struggling three consecutive 2-1 defeats in Serie A, a droop that has seen them plummet to ninth place within the league standings. With the Rossoneri now sitting 11 factors outdoors of the UEFA Champions League positions and a staggering 18 factors behind league leaders Inter, their hopes of securing a top-four end are fading.
Thus, head coach Sergio Conceicao is planning a serious shake-up for the upcoming away conflict towards Lecce, with stories suggesting that a few of the crew’s greatest names can be benched. Amongst them are Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and Santiago Gimenez, who have been all neglected of the beginning lineup throughout Thursday’s coaching session.
The Portuguese coach is predicted to make at the least two enforced modifications, as Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic will serve one-match bans following their dismissals within the current defeat to Lazio. Of their absence, Marco Sportiello is prone to begin in purpose, whereas the central protection will see a reshuffle with both Fikayo Tomori or Malick Thiaw partnering Matteo Gabbia.
In keeping with Sky Italia, Conceicao experimented with a 4-2-3-1 formation in coaching, omitting a few of the ordinary starters. “The thought is to area gamers who’re contemporary and motivated,” reported Sky Italia’s correspondent Peppe Di Stefano.
This philosophy noticed Davide Bartesaghi examined at left-back as a substitute of Theo Hernandez, with Riccardo Sottil changing Leao on the left wing. In the meantime, Alex Jimenez was used on the appropriate flank, and Tammy Abraham was given an opportunity because the central striker over Gimenez.
Will Pulisic begin?
Whereas most of the Rossoneri’s stars are set to start out from the bench, one key participant stays in Conceicao’s plans: Christian Pulisic. The American worldwide is predicted to start out in a central attacking midfield function, positioned simply behind Abraham. This determination displays the coach’s belief in Pulisic’s work ethic and tactical flexibility, as he has been one of many few shiny spots in an in any other case disappointing marketing campaign for the Rossoneri.
Conceicao’s imaginative and prescient for the sport
Studies from MilanNews recommend that the Portuguese supervisor has used the prolonged coaching interval this week to refine his tactical setup and deal with the recurring points which have plagued the crew’s current performances. “The coach desires to depend on gamers who’re keen to combat for each ball, each offensively and defensively,” wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport. The purpose is to introduce a extra balanced strategy that ensures stability in each phases of play.
In midfield, Warren Bondo was examined alongside Tijjani Reijnders, that means Youssouf Fofana and Yunus Musah may begin from the bench. The coach is searching for gamers who not solely contribute creatively but in addition present defensive solidity.
Predicted Milan XI vs Lecce
Sportiello; Walker, Thiaw, Gabbia, Bartesaghi; Bondo, Reijnders; Jimenez, Pulisic, Sottil; Abraham. (4-2-3-1 Formation)
