Milan needs to bounce back, and Sergio Conceicao is using the first extended week since he took over as coach to work intensively on the training ground. He is preparing some surprises: a revolution in the lineup tested ahead of the away game against Lecce, with Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and even Santiago Gimenez at risk of being dropped.
The Diavolo trained at Milanello, preparing for the match at Via del Mare, an early game in the 28th round of Serie A. It’s a crucial match, as Milan comes from three consecutive league defeats (Torino, Bologna, Lazio) in addition to being knocked out of the Champions League against Feyenoord. A reaction is needed, and to shake up the team, Conceicao is considering some surprising moves.
The Portuguese coach surprised with some unexpected choices in today’s training session at Carnago sports center: several high-profile players were left out, and a surprise debut is possible.
MILAN’S POSSIBLE LINEUP AGAINST LECCE – According to Sky Sport, Conceicao tested an unprecedented formation today: Sportiello in goal, due to Maignan’s suspension; Gabbia and Thiaw in central defense (Pavlovic also out due to suspension) with Walker on the right and Bartesaghi on the left; another big surprise in midfield, alongside Reijnders, Warren Bondo was tested, signed from Monza and still awaiting his debut; the attacking trio was also revamped, with Jimenez and Sottil on the wings supporting Pulisic; and Abraham as the central striker.
PREDICTED MILAN LINEUP (4-2-3-1): Sportiello; Walker, Gabbia, Thiaw, Bartesaghi; Bondo, Reijnders; Jimenez, Pulisic, Sottil; Abraham.
MANY KEY PLAYERS AT RISK – This is a surprising lineup with many key players not included in the starting eleven: Theo Hernandez in defense, Youssouf Fofana out, as well as Yunus Musah who has been consistently playing, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix both starting from the bench, and even Santiago Gimenez‘s starting place is at risk.
This is clearly a tactical test and not yet definitive choices from Conceicao. Milan will hold their final training session on Friday before departing for Lecce, and that session will be important to understand if the Portuguese coach will confirm this revolutionized lineup or not.
FLORENZI RETURNS TO GROUP TRAINING – However, other news arrives from Milanello, and one of them is the return of a smiling Alessandro Florenzi. For the first time since the serious knee injury suffered during the US tour, the full-back has returned to training with the group.
No progress for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who again today carried out personalized work.