SASSUOLO v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

We’re back into league action following the defeat to Roma in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals as we travel to the Mapei Stadium to take on Sassuolo on matchday 32 in Serie A, looking to get up and running again. It is a place full of great memories for us, and a win would give some all-important benefits. On the eve of the match, here we present you our analysis of some potentially determining factors.

SENDING OUT A SIGNAL
The loss to Roma broke a long unbeaten run for the team, who will want to react and send out a signal at the Mapei Stadium. A message that will have to come from those who - in the last few games - have been used less and who will be called upon to take a leading role against Sassuolo. It is possible that the coach will utilise the squad and make changes compared to the starting line-up in the first leg midweek. It will also be a way to look for answers and to know - once again - that he can count on contributions from the whole group, against Sassuolo first and foremost, but also with a view to the return leg at the Olimpico. Often this season the so-called "goals from the bench" have been decisive, but we hope to strike against Sassuolo also from the off.

SAME FORMATIONS, DUELS KEY
It is possible that both teams will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. While we wait to understand who the starters will be on one side and the other, what will be decisive for the game’s outcome will certainly be the hunger to win every duel and attack the spaces. With two identical formations, a match full of individual battles and mini-games within the game is conceivable: wingers against full-backs, attacking midfielders against the low block. Sassuolo's tendency remains to be positive, despite having found some solidity since the arrival of Ballardini. They will push all their players forward, but spaces will open up. Our lines must and will be able to make the most of this, also taking advantage of central forward runs to worry and undermine a defence that, especially centrally, is not particularly quick.

MANAGING ENERGIES
Since the beginning of our journey in the Europa League, we have faced two other matches in-between the two-legged affairs: Monza v AC Milan between the first and second leg against Stade Rennais, and AC Milan v Empoli between the two with Slavia Praha. A defeat and a narrow victory suggests – between the lines - how tough it is to find the physical and mental energy when playing before and after two delicate and exhausting matches. The depth of the squad and the variety of alternatives available allow us to look ahead to the game in Reggio Emilia with optimism, against a team that is desperately seeking points to stave off relegation. We will need to be compact, clinical and focused. A victory would be the perfect preparation for the Olimpico.

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