SALERNITANA V AC MILAN: DUELS

It’s a match that AC Milan can’t afford to get wrong at a stadium where they haven’t played for a long time. The atmosphere will be hostile, the game will be difficult and, as always, there will be plenty of battles out on the pitch. Here are the most probable and highly anticipated ones as Salernitana v AC Milan approaches:

FEDERICO BONAZZOLI v OLIVIER GIROUD
With Ibrahimović still out, Giroud will once again lead the line for the Rossoneri. Olivier is currently enjoying a great spell, especially in terms of his goalscoring form, but he’s still to find the net away from home this league season. Indeed, so far he’s scored seven goals (ten if the Coppa Italia is also included), all of which have come at San Siro. The match in Salerno provides an opportunity to experience goalscoring joy on the road again, something which has been missing from his career for over a year. At the other end of the pitch will be Federico Bonazzoli, who, with five goals to his name, is Salernitana’s top goalscorer in Serie A this season. Last weekend, his goal secured a precious point in Genoa. In general, he’s the outfield player who has made the most appearances for the Granata this Serie A season (20), while he also leads the way in terms of shots on target (ten). The outcome of the match is likely to be highly dependent on who comes out on top in this duel.

LUCA RANIERI v THEO HERNÁNDEZ
Hernández is back from suspension but remains one booking away from missing out again. Nevertheless, he’ll start Saturday’s match and will be given his usual freedom to make his mark down the left flank. Theo has provided five assists this league season, a tally that he’s never bettered. Furthermore, five of his last six Serie A goals have come on the road. The full-back will need to be attentive and composed in defence; when getting forward, meanwhile, he’ll be aiming to attack with quality, providing the same threat that has led him to being the most fouled Rossoneri player (42). Luca Ranieri will take up the same position, with the young Italian having enjoyed a very positive season on a personal level. He’s the Salernitana player that has made the most passes, both in general (558) and in the opposition half (332), and sent in the most crosses (59).

FRANCK RIBÉRY v RAFAEL LEÃO
Leão has just celebrated making his 100th appearance in Rossoneri colours and could achieve a first: scoring in three consecutive games for AC Milan in all competitions. Rafa has been involved in eight goals in eight matches in 2022 (five goals and three assists). Furthermore, he’s reached double goalscoring figures for a club in a single season in all competitions (ten goals in 2021/22) for the first time. The Portuguese is blossoming and playing a decisive role, displaying all of his enormous potential in the process. While he doesn’t have too many similarities with Ribéry, both players do have flair and share a love of dribbling. The Frenchman’s last Serie A goal came against AC Milan in March 2021, a fact that the Diavolo will undoubtedly be aware of.

LASSANA COULIBALY v FRANCK KESSIE
A midfield battle involving brawn and substance awaits. Kessie and Coulibaly have just returned from their Africa Cup of Nations adventures, even if the Ivory Coast and Mali never met. Franck is still looking to reach peak condition, but Pioli continues to rely on him. Let’s not forget, he found the net in the reverse fixture. As for Lassana, he’s played 18 games so far this season and will undoubtedly be a handy resource for Nicola. He’s always shown his battling qualities in midfield: no other Granata player has been involved in more tackles than him (25). Both are ready to run and do the dirty work as they look to take control of the middle of the park.

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