SPEZIA v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Up next are Spezia, who want to turn their form around. However, AC Milan can’t afford to slip up. It’s a crucial match at both ends of the Serie A table, but how will it go? Let’s take a look at what could be key:

REACTING TO A SETBACK
The bad night in the Champions League won’t be easily forgotten, and how the team approach the match mentally will be vital in a delicate away fixture. Spezia, who are fighting to avoid the drop and currently struggling, will have had a full week to train and be ready to do all that they can to seize any opportunities. With the fixture arriving in the middle of the Euroderby tie, and in the knowledge that the semi-final return leg is just around the corner, Pioli will probably make a few changes, as he has done in the recent past. Bennacer (injured) and Thiaw (suspended) will definitely be unavailable, while Leão could also miss out. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, will have to do without Bastoni (injured) and Agudelo (suspended). Between changes and absences, it’ll be necessary for the Rossoneri to show strength and unity to overcome difficulties and pick themselves back up. With higher motivation levels, you have a better chance of victory.

REGAINING DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY
It’s well established that, for AC Milan, a strong defence is the foundation to achieve the maximum. However, the backline struggled somewhat in Europe midweek and, in general, is conceding too many opportunities. In recent times, the Rossoneri have regularly fallen behind; this happened against Inter, Roma, Cremonese and Bologna. Often, it’s been the opponents’ first real effort at goal. Conceding first in these kinds of games always makes things much more difficult. The team need to remain patient when they attack but be very focused when Spezia are in possession. The Rossoneri will be aware of Nzola, who is fourth in the Serie A top scorer ranking and, after returning last weekend, is ready to showcase his quality from the start. And not to mention Verde, who has performed excellently against AC Milan in the past. Coach Pioli’s men won’t want to be forced to dig in too much, but they can’t afford to leave any gaps when they do have to defend. Everyone will have to do their bit, from the goalkeeper through to the midfielders and widemen.

ORIGI AND REBIĆ
It’s likely that Giroud will initially start on the bench. As a result, Rebić could lead the line, just like he did against Lecce. As regards Origi, the latest news doesn’t concern so much whether he’ll play but rather the position he’ll be selected in, with the Belgian having occupied the left flank in the derby. He did well after entering the fray on Wednesday, getting on the ball and displaying some excellent movement. Even though it’s not his favoured position, seeing him play out wide isn’t exactly unheard of, and, as he starts to find his form, Saturday may very well be his night. Rebić and Origi possess all the characteristics to combine well and add unpredictability to the Rossoneri attack. Spezia aren’t exactly watertight, so there will be spaces to exploit.

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