Cagliari vs Milan Preview: Rossoneri Need Consistency

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – After reaching the top in midweek, AC Milan returned to action in the Italian Serie A League on Sunday (10/11/2024) at 00.00 WIB against Cagliari at the Unipol Domus.

Milan made a surprise on Tuesday (5/11/2024) by beating Real Madrid 3-1 away from home in the Champions League. Now, the challenge is to find consistency ahead of the international break.

Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is more worried about facing Cagliari than Real Madrid because he is aware of the different levels of motivation generated by each opponent.

Before the match against Monza last weekend, Fonseca’s job appeared to be on the line again as there was reportedly a meeting between Fonseca and his bosses after the defeat against Napoli.

As Calciomercato.com reports, what emerges is that the coach will be evaluated during the international break. However, if the Rossoneri are consistently good, their position will be safe.

Regarding injuries, there are several players who have been absent for a long time and are still unable to play, namely Alessandro Florenzi and Ismael Bennacer. Both are still recovering from surgery.

Matteo Gabbia has missed the last few games due to a calf problem he suffered while on duty with Italy. He will not take part in tonight’s match, nor will Luka Jovic, who is still battling back problems.

Alvaro Morata suffered an injury during training on Thursday (7/11/2024) which required him to go to hospital to undergo a CT scan after his head collided with Strahinja Pavlovic. Morata also couldn’t play in the Cagliari vs Milan match.

Many believed Tammy Abraham or even Noah Okafor would get a chance, but the coach had other plans. Fonseca confirmed that Francesco Camarda will lead the line, who will make his Milan debut as a starter at the age of 16 years, 7 months and 29 days.

Mike Maignan will be the goalkeeper behind the defenders, Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Strahinja Pavlovic and Theo Hernandez. Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders will be the double pivot.

Samuel Chukwueze is expected to return to his position on the right side of the attack, with Christian Pulisic as the playmaker, Rafael Leao on the left and Camarda up front.

Also Read: Champions League: Goals from Thiaw, Morata and Reijnders Bring AC Milan to Victory at Real Madrid Headquarters
Last season was Cagliari’s first season back to the top division after briefly playing in Serie B. They managed to survive. They finished with 36 points from 38 matches (eight wins, 12 draws, 18 losses), which put them in 16th place but just one point above Frosinone in the final relegation spot.

Claudio Ranieri steps down as head coach. His role at Rossoblu shifted to Davide Nicola.

After 11 games in Serie A, Cagliari are exactly where they were when they finished last season (16th) with nine points. The most notable results were a 3-2 win against Torino, a 1-1 draw at home to Juventus, and a 3-2 win at Parma.

In the Cagliari vs Milan match, the hosts will be without Yerry Mina and midfielder Michel Adopo due to injury.

Scuffet will be the goalkeeper. Zappa, Palomino, Luperto and Augello will be in front of the Scuffet.

Marin and Makoumbou will be the midfielder pair, then Zortea, Gaetano and Luvumbo will be the trident behind Piccoli.

Milan have played Cagliari 91 times in its nearly 125-year history, with 54 games won and only nine losses, meaning 28 draws.

Last season the Rossoneri actually beat their Sardinian opponents three times, starting with a 3-1 away win in the Italian Serie A League. In early January, Stefano Pioli’s team won 4-1 in the Coppa Italia. In May, Milan won at home with a score of 5-1.

Milan have only lost one competitive match against Cagliari since October 1998, namely a 1-2 loss in Serie A in 2017.

Cagliari vs Milan player forecast:
Cagliari (4-2-3-1): Scuffet; Zappa, Palomino, Luperto, Augello; Marin, Makoumbou; Zortea, Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli.

Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Thiaw, Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Reijnders, Fofana; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Camarda.