SAMPDORIA v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

AC Milan are still waiting for their first three points away from home, even in Europe, as they now go to Sampdoria on Saturday looking for a league away win on the road to break their duck. Despite a poor start to the season for the home side, the match at Marassi is sure to present many obstacles for the Rossoneri to overcome. Let's take a closer look at the tactics used by both sides:

BALL POSSESSION
Sampdoria are currently sitting third bottom in Serie A with only two points collected and two goals scored (Gabbiadini e Caputo). Giampaolo's side have though held two top sides in Lazio and Juventus at home, after losing their opening game of the season on home turf against Atalanta. The former AC Milan Coach has so far set his team up tactically using a 4-1-4-1 system in their home games, preferring a more conservative, diamond-shape midfield. The Abbruzzese's philosophy is to keep possession patiently, build up from the back and invite pressure from the opposition, to then exploit the spaces behind. Pioli's side will have to be aware not to fall into the trap and avoid the risk of dangerously switching off, taking control of the rhythm of the game from the first minute.

THE MIDFIELD BATTLE
Sampdoria could start off from the first minute, or change during the course of the game, in a more attacking 4-3-1-2 system, meaning the front two would have to create space moving along the lines opening up space for midfielders like Sabiri and Djuricic to exploit. AC Milan's ability to press and pressure the opposition could well be the key factor in taking a foothold in the game and finding the Ligurian backline unprepared. Pioli will be looking to defend on the front foot and not sit back - Tonali and Kalulu have made seven ball interceptions already this season - and to win the ball back through the qualities of full backs and wide players, Theo Hernández and Saelemakers.

PENALTY AREA FACTOR
If the Rossoneri are able to stop Sampdoria in the middle of the pitch then the quality of Pioli's attack against Gianpaolo's back four should be a mismatch and go in the favour of the current Champions of Italy. All of AC Milan's ten goals this season have been scored from inside the penalty area, whereas the Blucerchiati have conceded all of their nine goals from inside the box.The predatory instincts of Giroud and Origi, together with the midfielders' ability to get forward, could well be the difference, especially in the opening half hour, where AC Milan have scored the most goals in Serie A this season (four), and where Sampdoria have let in the most (four).

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