AC MILAN v STADE RENNAIS: THE BRIEFING

It's the eve of our return to European football, this time in the Europa League. Just over two months after the Newcastle game on 13 December 2023, continental football is back and we're up against French side Stade Rennais. San Siro provides the stage for the show and the fans will certainly be up for the fixture. Let's take a look at the potential keys that could unlock the first leg of the play-off.

KEEPING STADE RENNAIS OUT
The team is well aware of SRFC's firepower, as evidenced by the words of Stefano Pioli and Yacine Adli following the Napoli game. The Rouge et Noirs are certainly not to be underestimated. Stade Rennais have won all of their games in 2024 in all competitions and come to San Siro in their best form this season. We're certainly not inferior but the game against Napoli was a draining one, so recovery - both physical and mental - will be fundamental. European football is a different kettle of fish and requires teams to be fully switched on and determined. It will be vital to kill off the tie as soon as possible. In the ideas of the Club, the coach and the team, tomorrow is the start of a run that everyone's hoping will last as long as possible The margin for error is narrow; mistakes are not allowed.

RENEWED ENERGY
Although the Napoli game took a toll on some of the players, Stefano Pioli will be able to count on some fresh legs, whether from the start, off the bench or as an unused sub. The return of Malick Thiaw is the first bit of good news; the German has recovered from his long-term injury and has been training with the team in recent days. He will likely be in the squad. After serving a suspension in Serie A, Tijj Reijnders looks set to play in midfield. Furthermore, the 21-year-old Filippo Terracciano is in contention with a start in defence. Jović, Okafor and Musah will be at the starting blocks, ready and raring to provide their contribution of goals, quality and hard running. A fresh option could come from Luka and Noah, as well as the rest of the players mentioned above. These options have already proved pivotal in winning other matches and could do so again on this new European night.

SACRIFICE AND COMPACTNESS
In Europe, more so than in the league, it's necessary to keep the goals conceded to an absolute minimum. The team gave a good show against Napoli, keeping a clean sheet that ended a run of three games in which the Rossoneri conceded two goals. Should they want to wrap up the tie at San Siro tomorrow night - as is the hope of Stefano Pioli - the team needs to work hard and take responsibility in the defensive phase. Stade Rennais have a potent attack, the third best in Ligue 1; they're dynamic, physical, take plenty of shots from outside the box and have some talented dribblers, as such the Rossoneri will need to contain their guests right from the outset. The Rouge et Noirs have gone with a 4-4-2 in recent outings and AC Milan will need to be aware of the talents out wide in Désiré Doué and Bourigard, as well as the strike partnership formed of Kalimuendo and Terrier. Pace, power and constant threat are the order of the day and our boys will need to give it their all in order to nullify the danger.

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