2 hours ago
27
AC Milan will hope to give the fans a Christmas present on Sunday with a win against Sassuolo in Serie A. Here is a look at their opposition.
This is a really big game for Milan, and it perhaps shouldn’t be. Circumstances this season have meant that the Rossoneri must get three points here and failing to do so only raises questions about their ability to perform against lesser teams in the division.
Given suspicions have arisen about their chances of the top four, this is a real chance to make a statement, and it must be made.
➤ Manager: Paolo Zanetti
➤ Form (all comps): W-W-L-L-D
➤ Top scorer (Serie A): Gift Orban – 4
➤ Most assists (Serie A): Giovane – 4
➤ Injuries & suspensions: Suslov, Belghali, Akpa Akpro and Bradaric.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the challenge for Verona was to try and follow up a relatively positive campaign last time out under Paolo Zanetti in which they ended up finishing 14th and therefore a few places clear of the relegation places.
The Gialloblu had an intriguing summer window in which they spent around €16.6m but made about €26m in sales. Amin Sarr, Cheikh Niasse, Antoine Bernede, Rafik Belghali and Grigoris Kastanos all arrived for between €1m and €3.5m.
It is the loan business Verona did that has provided a boost to their squad. Moatasem Al-Musrati joined from Besiktas, Victor Nelson came from Galatasaray, Gift Orban from Hoffenheim and Armel Bella-Kotchap from Southampton.
In terms of sales, almost all of the money came from two exits: Jackson Tchatchoua to Wolves for €12.5m, and Diego Coppola to Brighton.
Verona have spent the majority of the season inside the bottom three as they failed to win in any of their first 12 league games. However, they won their most recent two, 3-1 against Atalanta and 2-1 away at Fiorentina.
Getting knocked out of the Coppa Italia on penalties by Serie B side Venezia was not well received, so without those latest two Serie A wins, Zanetti might well have been under an awful lot of pressure. As it stands, they are 18th.
In terms of selection issues for Verona to contend with, there are two known absences: Suslov is expected to be out for several weeks longer, while Belghali has headed to the African Cup of Nations. Both Akpa Akpro and Bradaric are doubtful.
As a result, the starting XI should be quite straightforward. Montipo will sit at the base of the defence, with Nunez, Nelson and Bella-Kotchap sitting in front of the goalkeeper.
Oyegoke and Valentini will start on the wings, whilst Serdar, Al-Musrati and Bernede make up the midfield trio. Finally, Giovane will sit behind Mosquera in the No.10 position, looking to create some threat to the Rossoneri.
Predicted Verona XI (3-5-1-1): Montipo; Nunez, Nelson, Bella-Kotchap; Oyegoke, Serdar, Al-Musrati, Bernede, Valentini; Giovane; Mosquera.
Predicted bench: Perilli, Toniolo, Fallou, Harroui, Slotsager, Ebosse, Niasse, Yellu, Kastanos, Sarr, Ajayi, Gagliardini, Orban.
English (US) ·