Ahead of Rennes vs Milan: Rossoneri Must Focus

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – AC Milan will visit Rennes at Roazhon Park Stadium, Rennes, France, Friday (23/2/2024) at 00.45 WIB. The two teams will face off in the second leg of the Europa League playoff round. The Rossoneri must focus in this match even though they won the first match.

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli asked his players not to lose focus because Rennes will provide tough resistance.

“We immediately set our targets after the disappointing results in the Champions League, starting with the Europa League playoffs,” said Pioli.

In the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, AC Milan won 3-0 at the San Siro Stadium, Milan. Milan won thanks to goals scored by Ruben Loftus-Cheek (2 goals) and Rafael Leao.

Also Read: Rennes vs Milan Lineup Prediction: Rossoneri Rely on Giroud

In the second leg of the Europa League playoff round, if they lose to Rennes, Milan will at least lose by a goal difference of less than three to qualify for the round of 16.

Pioli said his players had shown a pretty good game against Rennes.

“The team played well, but it was not easy against a Rennes team that was very dangerous on the counter-attack and in good form,” explained Pioli.

According to him, the 3-0 capital in the first leg was an advantage. However, he said, Milan should not be careless.

“It's an advantage for us, but we know anything can happen in football and we have to concentrate fully on the second leg,” he said.

Facing Rennes, Stefano Pioli will not be able to rely on Pierre Kalulu or Fikayo Tomori. Likewise Mattia Caldara.

Tommaso Pobega and Davide Calabria remain sidelined with muscle problems, while Jan-Carlo Simic and Alex Jimenez are also not on the squad list.

In front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan, there is Simon Kjaer who will be paired again with Matteo Gabbia because against Monza, Malick Thiaw showed he was not 100%. Alessandro Florenzi and Theo Hernandez will remain as wing-backs.

In midfield there will be the return of Tijjani Reijnders from the first minute. He will take on the role of attacking midfielder, while Yunus Musah returns and will play a deeper role alongside Ismael Bennacer who has passed a fitness test.

In attack, Samuel Chukwueze will be on the right and Rafael Leao on the left. They will support single striker Luka Jovic.

Rennes coach Julien Stéphan will prepare the best team to get rid of Milan. Rennes made a number of changes. Benjamin Bourigeaud and Desire Doue, are expected to return.

Two midfield players, Enzo Le Fee and Fabian Rieder will be absent. Striker Arnaud Kalimuendo is still doubtful about appearing.

Rennes vs Milan player forecast:
Rennes (4-2-3-1): Mandanda; G. Doue, Omari, Theatre, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D Doue; Gouiri, Terrier.

Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Moses; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Jovic.