The Battle for Points: AC Milan vs. Hellas Verona
AC Milan hosts Hellas Verona at the San Siro this evening, marking their return to Serie A action after a disappointing midweek defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League. The loss stung, especially following back-to-back victories over Roma and Empoli, but there is an opportunity to bounce back. The stakes are high, as Lazio face Napoli and Juventus take on Inter, making this match crucial for Milan’s standings and momentum.
The Importance of Key Battles
Crafting this key battles preview has been particularly challenging due to conflicting reports about the starting lineup for Milan. However, some players are expected to take the field, and their performances could tip the balance. One such player is Santiago Giménez, who scored against Empoli and could become only the third player to score in his first two Serie A appearances for Milan in the three points for a win era, following in the footsteps of legends like Andriy Shevchenko and Christian Pulisic.
Theo Hernandez: A Crossroads Moment
The pressure is on Theo Hernandez to deliver. This season, he has been a frequent focus of scrutiny, with his future hanging in the balance. Manager Conceicao has not yet seen the best from him, and today’s match presents a critical opportunity for Theo to step up. He will face the formidable Jackson Tchatchoua, who has two goals and two assists so far this season. Tchatchoua’s pace and physicality make him a tough opponent, and this duel will be a true test of Theo’s defensive capabilities.
Malick Thiaw: Proving a Point
Malick Thiaw, who started in the defeat to Feyenoord, is likely to start again in place of Fikayo Tomori, who is serving a one-match ban. Thiaw has been a regular under previous manager Paulo Fonseca but has seen fewer appearances under Conceicao. This match is his chance to prove his worth and contribute to a solid defensive performance. He will be up against Amin Sarr, who has already shown he can be a handful with three goals in the league. Sarr is expected to lead the line alongside Tomas Suslov in Verona’s 3-4-1-2 formation.
Joao Felix: Home Comforts and Pressure
Joao Felix is expected to start his third consecutive game since his deadline-day move from Chelsea. The Portuguese playmaker, who scored on his debut against Roma, will likely play in the No.10 role, behind Gimenez. His creativity and goalscoring potential are crucial for Milan, and the home crowd will be counting on him to deliver. His primary opponent will be Ondrej Duda, a combative holding midfielder with eight yellow cards in Serie A this season. Duda’s aggressive style will make it difficult for Felix to pull the strings, but the Portuguese playmaker’s skill and vision could be the key to unlocking Verona’s defense.
Midfield Confrontation: Fofana vs. Kastanos
In the midfield, Youssouf Fofana’s presence is vital for Milan, providing balance and creativity. He has been instrumental, contributing with assists, but his recent form has fluctuated, possibly due to fatigue. With Warren Bondo waiting on the bench for his debut, Fofana will aim to lead by example. His duel with Grigoris Kastanos, who has already made a couple of goal contributions in seven starts, will be crucial. Kastanos is expected to play as the attacking midfielder, looking for space between the lines. Fofana and the Milan defensive unit will need to deny Kastanos the space and time to create in transition.
Conclusion: A Tense and Crucial Encounter
The match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona is set to be a tense and crucial encounter. Milan will be eager to bounce back from their Champions League defeat and capitalize on the potential slip-ups of their title rivals. The key battles, particularly those involving Theo Hernandez, Malick Thiaw, Joao Felix, and Youssouf Fofana, will be pivotal in determining the outcome. With both teams needing points, the clash at San Siro promises to be a thrilling and high-stakes affair.
