AC MILAN v DINAMO ZAGREB: MATCH PREVIEW
Champions League
After nine whole months (7 December 2021) the Champions League returns to San Siro. From AC Milan v Liverpool to AC Milan v Dinamo Zagreb on matchday 2 of Group E. After the draw against FC Salzburg in their opening game, the Rossoneri pursue a home victory that evaded them last time round.
LATEST FROM MILANELLO
AC Milan come into this match of the back off their fine win over Sampdoria in Genoa, but at the same time they are a little shaky. Origi and Rebić, struggling with their respective injuries, will be absent, as will Florenzi and Ibrahimović both with long-term injuries. Also absent are the unregistered players Tătăruşanu, Vranckx, Thiaw, Adli, Lazetić and Bakayoko. Rafael Leão, who was sent off at Marassi but is available today against the Croatians, will return, as will Rade Krunić, who returns to the squad after a month's absence.
"If we play at a high level we have the chance to win - Coach Pioli stated on the eve of the match - I field the best team possible for every game, the team is in a good place, and we will play with great determination. The match is important, but it can't be decisive yet".
LATEST FROM DINAMO ZAGREB
Dinamo Zagreb surprised everyone in their first group game, beating Chelsea at the Stadion Maksimir thanks to a goal from Mislav Oršić, who repeated himself on Saturday evening against Gorica by scoring a 92nd minute winner. Back in Croatia, after nine matches, Dinamo are dominating the league with 25 points from a possible 27. Ante Čačić's side made it through the play-offs to reach the group stage by beating Bodø/Glimt in extra time in the second leg. Oršić is one of the players to look out for, along with Bruno Petković, a 1994-born striker who has played for Catania, Varese, Reggiana, Entella, Trapani, Verona and Bologna in Italy. Although the most commonly used outfit is the 4-2-3-1, against Chelsea the Croatians lined up with a fruitful 3-5-2, which kept the English side at bay.
"They are both good sides, but AC Milan is certainly a bit stronger than Chelsea," said coach Ante Čačić in a press conference. "We have analysed their play style, and we will definitely do everything we can to stop Leão from playing well. We know that AC Milan are the favourites, but we are aware of our strength, and we will give it everything. The team is ready, we will be prepared".
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Matchday 2 of the 2022/23 group stage. After the draw between AC Milan and FC Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb's home win over Chelsea, here is this round's schedule:
The standings (pts): Dinamo Zagreb 3, AC Milan 1, FC Salzburg 1, Chelsea 0.
REFEREE
The referee for the match at San Siro will be Spain's Jesús Gil Manzano. He has previously officiated two games for the Rossoneri: the Europa League preliminary round match against Rio Ave on 1 October 2020, which was won on penalties, and the round of 16 match of the same competition against Red Star, played in February 2021 at Marakana in Belgrade. The refereeing team will be completed by assistants Barbero and Nevado and fourth official De Burgos, while Martínez Munuera and van Boekel will be on VAR.
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