CAGLIARI v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

After Bologna, Roma and the derby, AC Milan are in action against Cagliari in their fourth away game of the season. It's a tricky fixture, which requires the utmost dedication. The Rossoneri may be newly promoted, but are very familiar with Serie A football and also strong at home. Given their tricky standing as well, they will play out of their skins. The Rossoneri will certainly need to put in a top performance to come away with the win.

KRUNIĆ'S REPLACEMENT AND OVERCOMING PHYSICALITY WITH TECHNIQUE
AC Milan are without Rade Krunić for the first time this season. Until now, Pioli has made changes but never at the base of midfield; the Bosnian had played every single minute for AC Milan before the muscle problem against Verona. It won't be easy to build up without him, in Sardinia and beyond. Though the base principles won't change with rotation, there will be a slight change in how the regista role is interpreted. Adli and Reijnders are the players named as potential replacements at the base of midfield. Midfield will likely prove pivotal against Cagliari's back five, which will be packed and aggressive, especially with the inclusions of Makoumbou and Sulemana. As such, accuracy and pace will be vital in order to break them down. Overcoming physicality with technique is the order of the day. Though the Rossoneri will need to get their hands dirty too, so Loftus-Cheek, Musah and Pobega could prove useful.

DOWN BOTH WINGS, LEAVE NO GAPS
Though the Rossoblù are second-bottom and have scored just one goal, do not be deceived. Cagliari know how to attack. The pace of Luvumbo is their main offensive weapon, supported by a strong centre-forward (Shomurodov, Petagna or Pavoletti). The Angolan forward likes to stay on the move, often dropping deeper to get ball to feet. So the wings are even more important. AC Milan have Hernández back, Florenzi getting into full form and plenty of firepower out wide, given that Leão is always able to turn the tables. Cagliari have in Nández a great alternative outlet on the wing. The tactics of both coaches share a desire to get the widemen involved, freeing up space in midfield from the congestion mentioned above. We need to be unpredictable in attack but wide awake at the back, because not leaving any gaps will be crucial.

THE IMPORTANT OF ROTATION
The Cagliari game will be the first real test of our squad depth. From the last international break to the next, AC Milan will play every three or four days, so rotation will be necessary. Certain player on both sides, who have had less gametime thus far, will be involved tomorrow; they will have a perfect chance to develop and show their worth. The Rossoneri, for example, will likely shake things up in attack with starts for Chukwueze and Okafor. Cagliari, meanwhile, could go with Petagna or Pavoletti, and also a possible back four. Which changes could make the distance? We'll see at the Unipol Domus and beyond.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!