AC MILAN v SASSUOLO: THE BRIEFING

AC Milan v Sassuolo is the last game of the calendar year, and the Rossoneri want to end 2023 with an important win for the fans, who will be there in numbers once again at a sellout San Siro. A high-level performance will be needed to get the three points, considering the hidden pitfalls on matchday 18 in Serie A. Over the last few years, the fixture with the Neroverdi has seen drama, fireworks and twists and turns; let's take a look at what could sway the game in our analysis.

OPEN SPACES
Among the strengths of both teams is the ability to launch their attacking intent in open space, with defences finding them unstoppable. They both use a "number nine" in the true sense, in Giroud and Pinamonti, both strong in the penalty area and able to create space for wide players on the flanks, and it is here where the balance could be tipped to one side or the other. The attacking matchups, Leão-Lauriente and Pulisic-Berardi, without forgetting potential substitutes coming on during the game, will be decisive as they have been in the past: quick, technical and unpredictable in one-on-one situations. It would be criminal to give just one chance away, therefore it will be vital to close the lines of passage and hold a tight, compact defensive shape and to double up the markers.

QUESTION OF STABILITY
The defensive lines will be called upon to do overtime as they'll need to show attention, sacrifice, but also use the head and stay together. The Rossoneri, hit by numerous absences that will limit Coach Pioli's starting eleven once again, have struggled to be compact and field a consistent backline in recent outings, but they have shown at home to be solid and organised at times. The Neroverdi are an attacking side and have failed to keep a clean sheet this season. In 17 Serie A fixtures, AC Milan have let in 20 goals and Sassuolo 32. The numbers say it all, chances and goals are to be expected, but taking home the three points will be the team that is able to stay tight together and concede as less space as possible

MIDFIELD POSITIONING
Both teams' line-up offer several similar characteristics in midfield. Loftus-Cheek and Thorstvedt carry out common roles, moving between the midfield lines and in behind the centre-forward in the hole, while the pairings of Boloca-Henrique and Reijnders-Bennacer control things and alternate going forward. However, the absence of Boloca could change the pack around, with former player Castillejo expected to play the trequartista role in a more attacking formation. Therefore, the number 14 and 8's positions become of further importance, which could cause some problems to the two Neroverdi midfielders, facing a double personal duel. It's an area of the field to conquer through numerical advantage when pushing forwards and to attack the static Emilian backline centrally. Physicality and technical quality, Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek have the weapons at their disposal to decide the game.

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