Rafael Leao could make his first start under new manager Sergio Conceicao in AC Milan’s upcoming match against Cagliari. The Portuguese winger, who made a significant impact as a substitute in Milan’s recent Super Cup triumph, has a strong record against the Sardinian side, having scored five league goals against them, including one in each of their last two encounters at San Siro.
In defence, Fikayo Tomori has solidified his position as the first-choice centre-back after a period out of favour. Meanwhile, Mike Maignan has been handed the captain’s armband, signalling his importance to the team.
Milan will be without several key players due to injuries, including Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alessandro Florenzi. Additionally, Emerson Royal is suspended for the match.
Cagliari face their own challenges as they travel to Milan. Zito Luvumbo is unavailable, and Colombian defender Yerry Mina is questionable due to an ankle issue. However, they could see the debut of new goalkeeper Elia Caprile, recently acquired from Napoli in a swap deal involving Simone Scuffet.
In attack, Cagliari are likely to field Roberto Piccoli, supported by either Nicolas Viola or Gianluca Gaetano. Interestingly, Piccoli has scored against 18 different teams in the top flight but has yet to find the net against Milan in 387 minutes of play.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata
Cagliari (4-4-1-1): Caprile; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Augello; Viola; Piccoli
