The ultimate week [Newsletter]
The international break has come to an end and AC Milan are currently gearing up for the big clash against Juventus at the weekend. However, they are not just preparing for the Bianconeri but also the following two games against PSG and Napoli. In short, a tough week awaits the Rossoneri.
We can all be pleased with the fact that the international break didn’t result in any injuries for Milan. Noah Okafor’s early departure from the Swiss camp was a scare, but he’s already back in training with the Rossoneri as the head injury really was minor. If anything, the break has been positive because the likes of Pierre Kalulu, Rade Krunic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been able to recover.
Update: It seems we spoke too soon! Samuel Chukwueze has sustained an injury and could be out for around a month. More on that soon.
The upcoming Juventus game is important in many ways for Milan. First of all, the Scudetto race with Inter cannot be ignored. Every point and mental win at this stage of the season does matter, and at the same time the Rossoneri will be looking to start their ‘week of hell’ on a strong note. Add the rivalry with the Bianconeri to that and we have ourselves an exciting evening.
Then, it’s clear that some balance-focused measures will have to be taken by Stefano Pioli amid the games against PSG and Napoli. The rotation against Juventus writes itself, really, with the suspension of Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez. But that’s not to say further rotation wouldn’t be wise, because resting someone like Loftus-Cheek could also be beneficial.
In short, Pioli must rely on all of the players in his squad and how he will do that remains to be seen. For weeks like this one, the fans must certainly be more careful with their opinions especially given the recent injury issues for some of the players. Comments like “X should have started, X should have been benched” will be of no use. Pioli, this time out (and almost always), is the only one who has all the facts.
Criticise the tactics and the attitude by all means, but the player selection must always be taken with a grain of salt when we have three games in seven (!) days. It’s best for us fans to focus on supporting the team in these difficult times, especially since the start of the season has been positive and promising so far. After these three games, we can re-evaluate.
News bulletin
➤ AC Milan Women continued their difficult start to the season with a 0-0 draw against Como at the weekend, meaning they have won just one of four league games and sit in mid-table. Above all, the Rossonere have a problem up front with the forward signing Andrea Stašková (zero goals so far).
➤ The international break means media duties for a lot of players, with Kevin Zeroli, Tijjani Reijnders, Yunus Musah, Christian Pulisic, Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez among those to speak about Milan.
➤ Milan are interested in signing Assan Ouedraogo from Schalke 04 as per reliable sources, but they face competition with some Premier League and Bundesliga teams also keen. The 17-year-old could of course follow Malick Thiaw's path from Germany to Italy.
➤ Sandro Tonali has been caught up in the betting scandal currently hanging over Italian football, and he admitted to betting on Milan games. However, it has been reported that the Rossoneri do not need to worry about any implications on them, and you can read why here.
➤ There has been some developments regarding renewals. Rade Krunic has set his demands high and a sale cannot be ruled out, while talks are planned with Theo Hernandez and Malick Thiaw amid interest from abroad. There is news on Francesco Camarda, Mike Maignan, Simon Kjaer and Olivier Giroud too.
➤ It has been a confusing couple of days regarding the Growth Decree tax relief scheme. First it was reported that it would be scrapped entirely, but the most recent reports suggest clubs will still be able to use it as they are exempt from the cancellation.
In case you missed it
Make sure to check out the latest podcast episode, and our latest bonus podcast in which the lads attempt to pick their best international XI. We have also published quite a few bonus articles lately, including the first edition of Meeting the Milan media. Are you interested in a paid subscription? Read all about it here.