AC MILAN v CAGLIARI: THE BRIEFING

35 down, 3 to go. We are in the final stages of the Serie A 2023/24 season, which the Rossoneri hope to finish in second place. To do so, they must overcome Claudio Ranieri's Cagliari tomorrow at 20:45 CEST in San Siro, a team amidst a relegation battle and in need of vital points. Here's the pre-game analysis:

THE GOALS FROM THE FORWARDS
Giroud's goal ended the mini-drought of three games in which none of our forwards found the back of the net.  The last time such a drought happened was in October, during a hectic period of matches against BVB, Genoa, Juventus and PSG. Against Genoa, Oli rediscovered the goal-scoring touch that had eluded him for a month, since AC Milan v Lecce on 6 April. Although it didn't lead us to three points, it's still a positive sign. Similarly positive was Okafor's usual decisive and positive entrance, and it will be with Jović's return to the ranks after three games out. With the forward line now complete, the options available to the Coach increase. In the league, the three have collectively scored 26 goals so far, but there are still three games until the end of the season to add to the total.

RETURN TO CLOSE THE DOOR
Two shots on target, including a penalty, three goals conceded.  This is the paradoxical statistic of  AC Milan v Genoa, a game that epitomised this "off" moment of the season. A match that AC Milan managed to straighten out to 3-2, but then Thiaw's unfortunate own goal sealed the deal. Three avoidable goals that flattered Genoa.  Here is where we must restart, from concentration and ruthlessness to the desire to protect the goal. Cagliari of late have been a potent attacking threat. In April they scored two goals each against Atalanta, Juventus, and Inter. Utmost concentration is required.

ATTACK RESPONSIBLY
At one point against Lecce and Genoa, we were looking at making it 4-2. Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leão and Giroud guarantee chances and constant danger, but at the same time, this can potentially leave us vulnerable. In these final stages of the season, with lower tempo and more tired legs, balance becomes a keyword, especially if it's necessary to counterbalance such a rewarding attack. The help in the defensive transition from the attackers will be the first line of risk management, but the overall attitude of the team must be proactive and alert.

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