Enthusiasm yes, euphoria no. Milan goes to the match against Genoa (at 20.45) still wearing the "dross" of the victory over Juve: a good encouragement to take the 3 points and go to the top of the standings (waiting for the others obviously), provided you reset mind and take the field as if nothing had happened.
“We don't have to think about it, we obtained a very important victory but our goal remains to return to Europe – explained Vincenzo Montella. – A difficult game awaits us, we will have to do everything right because Genoa are organized and put a lot of effort into it on a physical level. The environment is positive but we have to be careful: enthusiasm brings a few points more, euphoria less”.
What worries the AC Milan coach, in addition to Juric's team's desire for redemption (the lost derby still burns), is the psychophysical tiredness of his players. Saturday's match could not have been closed in a few hours, even though Genoa also took to the field on the same day in an equally important match. To help Milan could be the youth of the squad, a sort of double-edged sword which, at the moment, is giving excellent results.
“The boys need to be guided a little, supported – continued Montella. – They must be made responsible but carefree, I think it can only bring us advantages. Locatelli is fresher than others, I think there's no need to give him a rest. If the young do not recover…”.
In short, no sensational upheaval, just a couple of changes in defense and attack. And so, in front of the untouchable Donnarumma, Poli will find space in the unprecedented role of right-back, in a 4-man line with Paletta, Romagnoli and De Sciglio. In midfield the trio Kucka-Locatelli-Bonaventura is confirmed, while in attack Suso will sit on the bench by virtue of Honda, deployed as a right winger in the trident with Bacca and Niang.
“I'm still angry about the lost derby but we have to move on – thought Ivan Juric. – We meet a Milan that is doing well, rich in quality but equally humble. I predict a very difficult race."
The Rossoblu coach won't relaunch Pavoletti from the start ("he's not ready yet"), so his 3-4-3 will see Perin between the posts, Izzo, Burdisso and Orban in the back, Lazovic (favorite over Edenilson), Rincon, Veloso and Laxalt in the midfield, Rigoni, Simeone and Ninkovic in the offensive trident.
