Injury scares return [Newsletter]

The international break has come to an end (thankfully) and AC Milan will be back in action on Sunday evening, taking on Napoli in a very important league game. Given the Rossoneri’s luck, however, the break didn’t come without a few injury scares.

Milan and Napoli will square off in the league on Sunday before the two-legged tie in the Champions League. After the reverse fixture ended 1-2 at San Siro, the Rossoneri will be out for revenge especially since many believe they were the better side in that game. As always, if you want the news bulletin straight away, scroll down!

The circumstances are obviously a bit special. Three encounters in the space of 16 days, starting with the one that comes with the least (?) amount of pressure. But it’s a game that could indeed set the tone for the Champions League tie, and it will give both sides an insight into what’s to come.

The chess game between Stefano Pioli and Luciano Spalletti, therefore, will begin on Sunday. The key will then be to make unexpected changes to the style of play to catch the opponents off guard, which is much easier said than done when the games are so close to each other schedule-wise.

Mike Maignan will head back to Milan in great form after saving a penalty for France against the Netherlands and making a stunning game-winning save against Ireland. Rade Krunic scored a brace for Bosnia against Iceland and could play from start, while Rafael Leao ended his goal drought by scoring for Portugal against Luxembourg. To top it off, Charles De Ketelaere got a nice hockey assist in Belgium’s friendly against Germany.

In short, there are some positives to take from the international break ahead of the crucial period. However, as mentioned at the start, the break didn’t come with injury scares. Zlatan Ibrahimovic played 20 minutes in Sweden’s first game but was forced to sit on the sidelines for the other, experiencing a minor injury issue. His condition will thus have to be evaluated.

Pierre Kalulu sustained an injury in training with France’s U21 and he has already been ruled out for the Napoli clash, set for a one week of rest (then new tests). His goal appears to be the first leg against Napoli, but nothing is certain at this point and we will have to wait and see.

Finally, Krunic received a knock in Bosnia’s first game and appeared to be at risk for the second one. However, he ended up starting after being cleared by the doctors and thankfully, it was indeed just a scare. Hopefully, there won’t be any more for Pioli ahead of the big game.

News bulletin

➤ The Primavera had a break due to the various youth internationals taking place alongside the senior internationals, but make sure to read our profiles on striker sensation Francesco Camarda and possible next Theo Hernandez deputy Andrea Bozzolan.

➤ The Milan Women suffered disappointment at home on Sunday as they let a two-goal lead slip late on against Fiorentina, drawing 3-3 with ex-player Vero Boquete scoring twice. However, the Primavera lifted the Viareggio Cup for the first time ever after disappointment in the final last year, winning 4-1 on penalties against Rappresentativa LND.

➤ It was after the 5-2 home defeat against Sassuolo that Stefano Pioli decided to change formation to a three-man defence, but he will reportedly revert to four at the back after the international break. A 4-2-3-1 is expected against Napoli, which is more of a 4-3-3 with Rade Krunic as the attacking midfielder.

➤ ReteguiMania™ has swept across Italy after he scored in each of his first two starts for the Azzurri, in addition to having scored 6 goals in 8 league games for Tigre in Argentina. Milan are among the sides keen on signing him as per multiple sources, with the search for a centre-forward for the future underway.

➤ Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are planning ahead for the summer window and there could be a revolution of sorts, with a number of sales possible in addition to those who are on expiring loans and with contracts running out.

➤ Milan have often been the victims of free transfers in recent years, but they could become beneficiaries as Calciomercato.com report that Marco Asensio is among three targets that are being eyed ahead of potential Bosman moves.

➤ Antonio Conte parted company with Spurs late on Sunday night, and it has not taken long for the Italian media to link him with Milan. Virtually every newspaper has mentioned the Rossoneri as a possible destination along with Juventus, Inter and Roma, but with the caveat that they might not have the spending power to match his ambition and that Pioli has the confidence of the owners.

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, as well as the bonus podcast (only available here on Substack!). You can also read our latest bonus article here on Substack about Ricky Massara’s alleged meeting with Juventus.