AC MILAN v SAMPDORIA: MATCH PREVIEW

The Rossoneri turn their attention to a decisive last two Serie A fixtures. The first of these is against Sampdoria, at San Siro, as they aim to get themselves back into top 4 contention. Against Stanković's men, already relegated to the second division but still motivated, they will fight hard against Coach Pioli's AC Milan, who hope to go back to winning ways and bring some smiles to the faces of their supporters. Ahead of kick-off, scheduled for 20:45 CEST, we delve into the keys of the game with our Match Preview:

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
Having been eliminated from the Champions League, the Rossoneri get back into league action with a clear objective in mind: to win the last three Serie A matches and finish as high as possible. Sampdoria, beaten 2-1 in the reverse fixture, arrive at San Siro looking to restore some pride after a difficult season. In order to repeat the home win over Lazio in the league, the team will need to rediscover the attitude they played with in the match against the Biancocelesti, while it is imperative not to underestimate the opponent. Compared to the most recent outing, Thiaw - returning from suspension - seems favourite over Tomori to start alongside Kjær. In midfield, on the other hand, Bennacer's injury has limited Coach Pioli's options, and the coach seems intent on keeping the Tonali-Krunić pair in midfield, while up front Saelemaekers is likely to beat Messias to a place in the XI. There are no suspended players for the Rossoneri, but four players are a booking away from one: Kalulu, Kjær, Pobega and Rebić. Rebić, Origi and Vranckx will be unavailable through injury.

"We will have to be very focused and determined in the match against Sampdoria, the season is not over yet and we have the chance to show who we really are," Coach Pioli said in his press conference. "We hoped to reach the Champions League Final, but now we have to use this match as an opportunity to bounce back. Sampdoria are playing with great dignity and pride, they are a difficult opponent because they play aggressive and offensive football as well as having little to lose".

LATEST FROM SAMPDORIA
The Blucerchiati responded well after their relegation to Serie B was confirmed - which came four games ago - in the most recent league game against Empoli. In front of a home crowd, Stanković's team broke a streak of three consecutive defeats with a proud performance, despite the a difficult second half that resulted in a 1-1 draw. It is a different story for their away performances, with the last win dating back to 4 January at Sassuolo. The tried-and-tested 3-4-1-2 of the Doriani allows them to fit in all their key players, while some questions over the startig side remain to be solved: Günter and Oikonomou are fighting over a spot in defence, so too Quagliarella and Lammers in attack - with the formers the favourites. Absent - probably for the remainder of the season - are Audero, Conti and Pussetto.

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v SAMPDORIA
In Italy, the match will be broadcast by DAZN and Sky Sport. To watch AC Milan v Sampdoria in a different country, however, you can consult the section "Where to watch Milan on TV" under "Abroad". On the Rossoneri channels, the appointment is with Milan TV's Matchday where live coverage will start at 19:30 CEST until close to kick-off. After full time, we will have interviews and Coach Pioli's press conference. From 20:40 CEST, there will also be Live Reaction on AC Milan's Twitch channel. Also, not to be missed is the coverage on acmilan.com, AC Milan Official App and our official social media profiles.

LATEST FROM SERIE A
Francesco Fourneau will referee AC Milan v Sampdoria. For the Rome-based referee, this next match will be match number 36 in the Italian top flight. He has taken charge of three previous meetings with the Rossoneri: a win in the most recent game at Salernitana (1-2) and two draws - against Udinese and Parma - in 2020 and 2021. He will be accompanied by assistants Berti and Scatragli, along with fourth official Ferrieri Caputi. Di Martino is VAR, assisted by Longo. 

Matchday 36 of Serie A began yesterday, on Friday 19 May, with Sassuolo 1-2 Monza. In addition to AC Milan v Sampdoria, Saturday's schedule also includes Cremonese v Bologna at 15:00 CEST and Atalanta v Hellas Verona at 18:00 CEST. Opening the Sunday games will be Lecce v Spezia at 12:30 CEST, a game followed by Torino v Fiorentina (15:00 CEST), Napoli v Inter (18:00 CEST) and Udinese v Lazio (20:45 CEST). Two matches will close out the season's third-last round: Roma v Salernitana (18:30 CEST) and Empoli v Juventus (20:45 CEST) will be played on Monday 22.

Here is the current Serie A table: Napoli 83; Juventus 69; Inter 66; Lazio 65; AC Milan 61; Roma 59; Atalanta 58; Fiorentina; Monza* 52; Torino 49; Bologna 47; Udinese 46; Sassuolo* 44; Empoli 39; Salernitana 38; Lecce 32; Spezia and Hellas Verona 30; Cremonese 24; Sampdoria 17. (* = one more game played)

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