SALERNITANA v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

The final match before Christmas, and the Rossoneri can’t afford to slip up. At 20:45 CET tomorrow, Coach Pioli’s men will take on Salernitana at the Arechi. A tricky fixture no doubt awaits against a side who need points in the battle to avoid relegation. Here are three talking points on the eve of Salernitana v AC Milan.  

FIGHTING SPIRIT AND THE ARECHI
Looking at the table, it’d be easy to think that Salernitana aren’t putting up much of a fight. The Granata have lost their last three matches and sit on eight points, which, curiously, is the same tally they had at this stage in 2021/22, a campaign where they went on a fantastic run to avoid the drop. This brings us to our main point: in the past few seasons, Salernitana have repeatedly shown heart, a fighting spirit and, backed on by their loud home crowd, the ability to find a much-needed spark. The atmosphere at the Arechi is a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated: six of the Granata’s eight points this campaign have come at home, where they also went on a seven-game unbeaten run at the end of last season. We shouldn’t read too much into their 4-1 defeat in Bergamo either: Inzaghi’s side were well in the game up until ten minutes from time and had some big opportunities to equalise. Maximum focus is required.

AIMING FOR CONSISTENCY
During this current period without any European football, AC Milan’s primary objective is to find consistency in the league. Since the November international break, the Rossoneri have picked up nine points out of a possible twelve in Serie A, only a suffering a setback in Bergamo. Behind the next door of their advent calendar, the Diavolo are hoping to find an away victory, something they haven’t achieved since 7 October. At the same stadium where they kicked off 2023 with a victory on 4 January, Pioli’s men now have an opportunity to return to winning ways on the road in their final away game this calendar year. It’s vital they do so after getting their home form back on track with three consecutive victories over Fiorentina, Frosinone and Monza. It’s needed for their confidence, to build a bit of consistency after an up-and-down couple of months and to continue to believe in something more.

DIFFERENT OPTIONS AND A BACKLINE BOOST
Bennacer is gradually getting more minutes in his legs after a long injury and was involved in the build-up to the third goal against Monza. Therefore, Isma might be in contention to start. Both Chukwueze and Jović were rested for the match against the Brianzoli and could have key roles to play at the Arechi. Against a Salernitana side that will most likely look to keep it tight, Pioli needs options to choose from - both from the start and during the match - with the aim of breaking down the home defence. As regards the topic of defence, our backline has no doubt been boosted by the clean sheet against Monza at San Siro, the return of Kjær and Simić’s debut. These fresh forces will come in handy in Salerno and the games to come.

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