As the Serie A season enters a crucial phase, AC Milan prepare to host Hellas Verona at the iconic San Siro on Saturday. This match presents an opportunity for the Rossoneri to reinvigorate their domestic campaign following a disappointing midweek result in Europe.
AC Milan enter this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the first leg of their Champions League playoff. The loss in Rotterdam has put additional pressure on Sergio Conceicao’s side to perform in the return leg, with the tantalizing prospect of a potential Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan in the last 16 hanging in the balance.
In Serie A, Milan find themselves in seventh place, seven points adrift of the coveted top four positions. However, their recent domestic form offers some encouragement, with the team currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten streak in the league. Last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Empoli, featuring goals from substitutes Rafael Leao and debutant Santiago Gimenez, showcased the depth and potential of Milan’s squad.
Hellas Verona arrive at San Siro in a precarious position, sitting just three points above the relegation zone. Their recent 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Atalanta BC highlighted the defensive frailties that have plagued Paolo Zanetti’s side this season. In fact, only Southampton and Holstein Kiel have conceded more goals across Europe’s top five leagues.
The Gialloblu face not only their current poor form but also a daunting historical record at San Siro. Remarkably, Verona have never secured a Serie A victory away to either Milan club, with their winless streak at the stadium stretching back to 1957 – a run of 65 matches.
Team News
Sergio Conceicao may opt to reshuffle his lineup following the midweek disappointment. The return of Yunus Musah from suspension provides additional options in midfield. However, the Rossoneri will be without several key players due to injuries and suspension, including Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Warren Bondo, Alessandro Florenzi, and the suspended Fikayo Tomori.
Santiago Gimenez, despite drawing a blank against his former club Feyenoord, is expected to lead the line for Milan, potentially partnered with Christian Pulisic and Joao Felix in attack.
Verona welcome back influential midfielder Ondrej Duda from suspension, but lose central defender Daniele Ghilardi to a ban. The absence of top scorer Casper Tengstedt due to injury means Daniel Mosquera is likely to continue upfront, supported by Lyon loanee Amin Sarr.
The match could hinge on Milan’s ability to exploit Verona’s defensive vulnerabilities. With the Gialloblu conceding at an alarming rate, the likes of Gimenez, Pulisic, and Felix will be eager to add to their goal tallies. Verona’s backline, led by the experienced Pawel Dawidowicz, will need to be at their best to keep Milan’s potent attack at bay.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Walker, Thiaw, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Felix; Gimenez
Verona: Montipo; Daniliuc, Coppola, Dawidowicz; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Duda, Bradaric; Suslov; Sarr, Mosquera
Match Prediction
Milan’s recent record against bottom-six teams is impressive, having won 11 of their last 15 such encounters. Moreover, they have emerged victorious in their last eight meetings with Verona. This historical dominance, combined with Verona’s struggles on the road, suggests a favourable outcome for the home side.
While Verona have shown some improvement in their away form recently, losing only one of their last five road fixtures, the enormity of the task at San Siro cannot be understated. The weight of history and Milan’s need to bounce back from their European disappointment point towards a home victory.
Expect a determined AC Milan side to control the game and secure a 2-0 win, further cementing Verona’s San Siro hoodoo and reigniting their own push for Champions League qualification.
Prediction: Milan 2-0 Verona
