AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has taken time to analyze the optimal lineup for overturning the first-leg deficit against Roma, and it appears he has made his choices.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning, Mike Maignan is expected to return to the goalposts after sitting out the draw against Sassuolo due to fatigue. The defensive line-up is likely to feature Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez as the full-backs, supported by Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori at the heart of the defense.
In midfield, Yunus Musah is poised to replace Ismael Bennacer, partnering Tijjani Reijnders, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek retains his role as the attacking midfielder. On the wings, Christian Pulisic is set to start on the right, with Rafael Leao on the opposite side, and Olivier Giroud leading the frontline. Bennacer, Yacine Adli, Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, and Luka Jovic are all listed as potential substitutes.
Roma, on the other hand, is anticipated to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, a deviation from their usual 4-3-3 setup. Their lineup includes Svilar in goal, Celik, Smalling, Mancini, and Spinazzola in defense, with El Shaarawy, Bova, Paredes, and Pellegrini in midfield. Upfront, Dybala and Lukaku are expected to lead the attacking line.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo; Musah, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud.
Predicted Roma XI (4-4-2): Svilar; Celik, Smalling, Mancini, Spinazzola; El Shaarawy, Bove, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku.
