Week 36: Milan – Cagliari

Week 35’s 3-3 tie versus Genoa extended Milan’s winless streak to six matches. It cemented the need for a new coach. Leading 3-2 Pioli opted to bring on Thiaw in Chukwueze’s place, the fact...

Week 35’s 3-3 tie versus Genoa extended Milan’s winless streak to six matches. It cemented the need for a new coach. Leading 3-2 Pioli opted to bring on Thiaw in Chukwueze’s place, the fact that the German’s own goal tied the score minutes later highlighted the issue. This type of sub also further confirmed the necessity for new thinking. If a new coach, Porto’s Sergio Conceicao being the latest ‘hot’ candidate, brings that remains to be seen. If not his tactics the Portuguese coach’s temperament is at least questionable.

It is are somewhat surprising, if reports are to be true, that Pioli will use a much changed starting 11. Opting for a possible 4-3-3 without Calabria, Theo, Tomori and Leao is even more so. Kalulu, Thiaw, Gabbia and Florenzi in front of Sportiello is the predicted back line. Musah, Reijnders and Bennacer forming a middle three is at least good to try and against a 15th placed team perhaps might yield a positive outcome. Sports papers go on to report a possible front three of Chukwueze, Giroud and Pulisic. The latter American has not often played the left wing during his Milan career. Loftus-Cheek, Maignan and Kjaer remain on the injured list but may be all ready for week 37.

Cagliari have not won in four games and sit only three points above the relegation spot occupied by Udinese.

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