The San Siro is set to host a crucial Serie A clash as AC Milan welcome Cagliari on Saturday evening. The Rossoneri enter this fixture riding high on confidence after their recent Supercoppa Italiana triumph, while the Sardinians aim to build on their latest victory and climb further away from the relegation zone.
AC Milan’s appointment of Sergio Conceicao has already yielded significant dividends. The Portuguese tactician has breathed new life into the squad, guiding them to dramatic victories over Juventus and Inter Milan to secure the Supercoppa Italiana in his first week at the helm.
Conceicao’s impact has been immediate and profound. The team has shown remarkable resilience, twice coming from behind to clinch victory in the Supercoppa matches. This newfound ability to overturn deficits marks a stark contrast to their performances under previous management, where they failed to mount a single comeback all season.
The Rossoneri’s resurgence has reignited their ambitions for a top-four finish in Serie A. Currently sitting eighth in the table, Milan have games in hand and renewed belief that Champions League qualification is within reach.
Cagliari, under the guidance of survival specialist Davide Nicola, arrive at San Siro with their own objectives. The Sardinians recently snapped a four-game losing streak with a crucial 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Monza, lifting them out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
However, Cagliari’s historical record at San Siro does not bode well for their chances. They have lost 17 of their last 18 Serie A visits to Milan’s home ground this century, conceding 46 goals while scoring only 11.
Conceicao’s Milan have shown tactical flexibility and a never-say-die attitude. They will likely look to dominate possession and exploit Cagliari’s vulnerability at set-pieces, which has been a significant weakness for the visitors this season.
Cagliari, on the other hand, will aim to frustrate Milan and hit on the counter-attack. Their ability to stay compact and capitalize on any defensive lapses from the hosts will be crucial to their chances of causing an upset.
Team News
Rafael Leao’s potential return to the starting lineup could be pivotal for Milan. The Portuguese winger has been a thorn in Cagliari’s side, netting five league goals against them, including strikes in their last two encounters at San Siro.
Milan’s new captain, Mike Maignan, will lead the team from between the posts, while Fikayo Tomori seems to have cemented his place at the heart of defense. The Rossoneri will be without the suspended Emerson Royal, as well as injured trio Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alessandro Florenzi.
For Cagliari, Roberto Piccoli will spearhead the attack, looking to break his duck against Milan after failing to score in 387 minutes of play against them. New signing Elia Caprile could make his debut in goal following his arrival from Napoli.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata
Cagliari: Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Augello; Viola; Piccoli
Match Prediction
Given Milan’s recent form and historical dominance in this fixture, they enter as strong favorites. The Rossoneri’s newfound resilience under Conceicao, coupled with their superior quality across the pitch, should see them secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: AC Milan 3-0 Cagliari
