FIORENTINA v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

AC Milan's first defeat of the 2021/22 campaign came away to Fiorentina, who also made things difficult in the return fixture at San Siro (a crucial 1-0 victory on the way to the Scudetto thanks to Leão's late goal) and earlier on this season (a 2-1 win in stoppage time before the World Cup break). Let's take a look at what could be key on matchday 25 in Serie A.

MIDFIELD BATTLE
For the first time since the Rossoneri switched formation, they'll be up against a side whose coach doesn't favour a three-man defence. It's something that Stefano Pioli will have in mind as he prepares his team tactically for the upcoming clash. In possession, Vincenzo Italiano wants his players to have options as they build from the back, with Amrabat playing a key role in moving up the pitch. And this is why AC Milan will have to be very attentive in the middle of the park, where a crucial part of the battle will play out. Whoever plays in midfield - whether Tonali, Bennacer (who is very likely to be available), Pobega or Vranckx - will have to do plenty of running and ensure that their game management is spot on. Given that Fiorentina will have an extra man in that area of the pitch (Barák, Bonaventura and Mandragora are competing for two places either side of Amrabat, the deep-lying playmaker), the Rossoneri midfielders will need support. Aware of this, De Ketelaere will have to cover the spaces and help put a stop to Fiorentina's build-up play, with the aim being to turn over possession and inflict damage in attack.

DANGEROUS WIDEMEN
AC Milan and Fiorentina have some very unpredictable players down the flanks, and they are real weapons in attack. Unfortunately, Leão is out through suspension, with Rebić, who is still looking to make a real mark this campaign, ready to take his place. And could the Croatian, who has very different characteristics to Rafa, be a surprise factor? The Rossoneri also have Hernández, who is back to his best, and Messias, who is in great form, having found the net against both Monza and Atalanta. As for the Viola, they also have some dangerous players out on the wings, including Biraghi at full-back, who scored a sensational goal away to Verona last time out, and Ikoné, a winger who possesses plenty of speed and quality. And not forgetting González, even if he often plays a bit closer to the striker. They'll make forward runs, produce passes and crosses, get shots away and look to create the required overloads to strike.

ON THE HUNT FOR GOALS
Looking at the numbers and beyond their three-goal win at the Bentegodi last time out, Fiorentina have struggled to score this season, netting just 27 in 24 matches. They're doing slightly better at home, but have still only won four out of twelve games at the Franchi, which can largely be put down to a lack of goals. AC Milan have 41 to their name in Serie A and are aiming to add to that tally, having rediscovered a ruthless streak recently: from Torino to Atalanta, five goals were enough for the Rossoneri to win their last four matches. It's good news for Giroud and co., who are starting to go from strength to strength, and less so for Cabral and teammates, who have often failed to find a way through. European football is coming up after this weekend, and, apart from their defeat to Torino before facing FC Salzburg during the group stage, the Rossoneri have won every Serie A fixture they've played immediately before their Champions League encounters this season. It's a different story for the Viola, who have rarely picked up three points just before taking to the pitch in the Conference League. Full focus on the task at hand will be required once again.

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