Big blow, big game [Newsletter]

Mar 27, 2024

The international break is coming to an end and it’s now time to shift focus to the big game at the weekend: Fiorentina vs. AC Milan. Having won their last three games in the league, the Rossoneri will be looking to extend the winning run but their recent record at Artemio Franchi promises a tough clash. And there is a pretty heavy absence for Stefano Pioli to deal with.

For Milan, the break came at a good time despite the positive run of results, seeing as the schedule up until that point had been very tight. Of course, players don’t exactly get much rest during the international break these days, but this one has actually been slightly better for the Rossoneri. Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were not called up (somehow), Rafael Leao left the camp early (not due to injury) and those who played more performed really well.

Tijjani Reijnders scored with a banger from distance, Theo Hernandez got an assist, Olivier Giroud bagged a goal and Leao was absolutely brilliant in his 45 minutes on the pitch against Sweden. In short, while Milan will be heading into the clash against Fiorentina with a lot of optimism, one thing holds them back. Of course, we are talking about the suspension of Hernandez.

The Frenchman was booked for his goal celebration against Hellas Verona, and it hurts even more given that it was all due to a misunderstanding. Frankly, it was very strange that the latter even occurred considering just how many times the left-back has celebrated like that. In any case, it’s impossible to replace him and for such an important game, this is a huge blow for Milan.

Alessandro Florenzi, the veteran, is ready to start in Hernandez’s place and we can only hope for the best. It’s clearly not his best position but, on the other hand, no one is expecting wonders from him anyway. The important thing will be maintaining a balance, as well as finding other ways to break the lines without the trademark runs of Hernandez (which were so important against Verona).

Naturally, this also means that Leao will have to take on a lot more responsibility without his usual right-hand man. Florenzi will not be able to open up as much space as Hernandez usually does, so the Portuguese winger must channel all of his qualities to create it himself. We all know that he can do it, with ease on a good day even, so it remains to be seen what will happen on Saturday evening.

Milan are certainly in for a very tough game, not just because of Hernandez’s suspension, but also because Fiorentina have been very strong at home in this fixture. The Rossoneri haven’t won at Artemio Franchi since 2021, when they came back from 2-1 behind. Since then, there have been two encounters and two defeats for Stefano Pioli’s men, who now have their eyes set on revenge.

News bulletin

➤ Milan Primavera have also been out of action due to the international break, but Mattia Liberali and Francesco Camarda each shone for Italy U17s while Kevin Zeroli kept up his goal scoring form for the U19 side of the Azzurri.

➤ AC Milan Women put Pomigliano to the sword at the PUMA House of Football on Sunday afternoon as they emerged 4-0 victors. Chante Dompig was the star of the show as she netted a brace.

➤ Milan are getting ready for another big summer transfer window, and there could well be a big budget to match. La Gazzetta dello Sport believe that the Rossoneri could have a kitty of €130m through prize money and some sales, with clear priorities on how to spend it.

➤ Theo Hernandez got an assist for France in their win over Chile and Olivier Giroud scored (highlights here). The latest on their futures could hardly be more different: the full-back is in demand but Milan are working with confidence on a renewal, while Giroud is now destined for the MLS.

➤ The latest on the stadium front is a strange one. Milan and Inter may well end up playing some home games away from San Siro during the 2025-26 season due to the Winter Olympics, with Sassuolo's Mapei Stadium a potential venue to host them.

➤ Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah each returned home with silverware as the USA won the CONCACAF Nations League. The winger spoke after the final victory over Mexico to explain why he feels so good at Milan.