Milan x Fiorentina

TIME: 2:45pm EST/7:45pm GMT

PLACE: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Firenze

WHERE TO WATCH:

Paramount+ and FuboTV here in the US of Aye and Canada, BeIn for our Aussie pals, ESPNPlay for our fellas in T&T, JioTV for our Indian leoni, and illegal streams that support dictators and oligarchs everywhere.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

Both teams are playing well and it’ll be interesting how this one will play out. Milan has had some difficulty when traveling to the Stadio Artemio Franchi of late so this will not be an easy game.

Here are the things I’ll be on the lookout for:

• First for Fiorentina, Saponara. Former Milan players kinda have this thing about scoring against them and he’s had some other-worldly goals against Milan, first when he was at Empoli and it has continued now at Fiorentina. Like last game with Koopmeiners, the two interior guys in the midfield for Milan will need to stay mindful of where he is at all times
• Another former Milan player but one I’m less concerned about Bonaventura, as I’m hoping he’ll launch a couple into the stratosphere (love ya, Jack!). Same goes for Cabral. I don’t know him well but as I mentioned last game, strikers usually don’t do well when Maignan is in net and Milan’s backline is at full strength
• The other Fiorentina player I AM worried about is Amrabat. He’s obviously not a scoring threat in most cases but attacking wise Milan will need to do well to move the ball quickly and make him run around all game. He’s really good at breaking up play so I’ll be looking to see how much Milan attacks down the flanks
• Speaking of flanks, for Milan, I’m curious to see how Rebic plays in Leão’s spot. I have a feeling he’s going to stay a little wider on the left and I think that’s going to have a positive impact on their attack. Staying wide, avoiding Amrabat, and getting those overlapping runs with Theo could be key
• The player I think most Milanisti out there will be watching is De Ketelaere. This is his chance to breakthrough and start contributing down the stretch. He plays the CAM position a little bit differently than Brahim and has been more prone to holding onto the ball (not saying that’s a ball thing) and preferring longer passes than the quick touch-and-go ones. He is really good at receiving and turning with the ball as well and Amrabat might have some difficulty with CDK’s size. Lots of possibilities here and it’s going to be really interesting how this plays out
• Finally, looking like there’s going to be lots of rotation today with Leão and Krunic out on accumulation and Brahim injured. Lisi and I are of the same mind that Brahim might be a little banged up but he’s most likely being saved for Tottenham midweek. Calabria is rumored to be starting at RWB/RM (*shivers*) and the above mentioned Rebic and CDK. Bennacer is back so that’s good and I’m expecting Zlatan to get about 15-20min again this game to give Giroud some rest. Giroud is rumored to be starting but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Origi (*shivers…again*)

Ok, I went with the 2-0 win last game and I’m going with that again today but I’m also going on the record and saying I think this is it!…I think this is the game where CDK gets on the board! What a joy it’s going to be for him and for all of us to see the smile and relief on this face when he does breakthrough.

Let’s go take those 3pts, boys!

Forza Milan

gillis