HELLAS VERONA v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

AC Milan face Hellas Verona after the Europa League in Prague and before the National team break. An important stage for the Rossoneri, facing the Scaligeri ten games before the end of the league, to advance during this favourable period. In the briefing, we aim to anticipate the moves on the field that could determine the match: choices, tactics, personnel.

LAST EFFORT BEFORE THE BREAK
Let's start with the mental aspect. For AC Milan, it will be essential to approach the game with vigor, even before the development on the field. European qualification provides an extra boost, and the upcoming break is a reason - likely starting with the choices, with a reduced margin for rotation - to stay focused solely on the commitment at Bentegodi. Hellas Verona is on the rise, in good form, and comes from two consecutive wins, also keeping a clean sheet (1-0), fully engaged in the battle for survival but on an upswing. It is predictable that they will adopt an aggressive attitude, to be countered with attention and strength; in this sense, the experiences in Rennes and Prague serve to be prepared. The Rossoneri played on Thursday and, despite managing their energies, may have less freshness, to be balanced with a full performance.

EFFECTIVE POSSESSION, AVOIDING COUNTERATTACKS
Given their qualities and the concept against a team objectively of higher quality, Hellas will not worry too much about ball possession. AC Milan's possession game will have time and opportunity to be effective, with accuracy in manoeuvring being even more fundamental. As noticed in similar matches, one of the main weaknesses is giving away spaces and consequently chances to the opponent, arising from errors or distractions. Specifically, this could be damaging because only Inter and Napoli have scored more goals than Hellas Verona (four) on counterattacks in Serie A. This detail will run through the main veins of the encounter, where the midfield will weigh particularly in ensuring support, compactness, and pressure, as the Venetians have recently been scoring a lot from distance.

QUALITY PLAYMAKERS, LOFTUS-CHEEK AGAINST FOLORUNSHO                                                                                         Now it's up to the individuals, the players capable of tearing up the script to shuffle the cards suddenly. AC Milan and Hellas Verona will likely share the 4-2-3-1 formation, with the playmakers' line where great technique will be concentrated. Pioli's formation flies down the wings, relying on Leão and Pulisic: one goal and one assist each in Prague, three consecutive goals for the American. In the middle, Loftus-Cheek is always the wildcard, often underestimated for his ability to make a difference in terms of physicality and scoring. He holds, from a distance, the clash with Folorunsho, a pawn at Baroni's disposal capable of having a similar mastery in terms of strength and impact: since mid-January, three goals, including the crucial one against Lecce. Breaks and movements, struggle and finishing: special attention to these giants.

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