The international break is over and Serie A action is returning to normal this weekend as AC Milan play host to Udinese.
The red and black started the new season with a 3-2 win over Torino and showed promise for a side that endured a dreadful 2015-16 campaign. The hope didn’t last long, as Milan were their own worst enemy in match day 2 that saw them slump to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Napoli.
It was a mix of comical defensive errors and some stupid decision-making that saw the Rossoneri lose two players to red cards in the match (Kucka 75’ and Niang 87’) and concede four goals. Prior to that they were trailing 3-2 and were still ‘sort of’ in the match with a chance. The loss of two players extinguished any hope of a spirited comeback.
There were 12 cards all up shown in the match. TWELVE.
Stop living in the past you say? Alright, moving on. Let’s see what this weekend looks like for Milan!
TV:
Australia - beIN Sports Connect Australia
Italy - Sky Calcio 1, SKY Go Italia
United States - Fubo, Bet365
Facts:
- Udinese have failed to win their last 11 away matches (So far so good)
- AC Milan are unbeaten in their last nine meetings against Udinese at the San Siro with 6 wins and 3 draws (Looking good here guys)
- AC Milan have already conceded 6 goals afte two games, this equals their worst tally in the Serie A from the 1946/47 and 1983/84 seasons (Oh, okay.)
- All 6 of these goals have been from inside the penalty box (New game plan, keep the opposition out of the box, easy.)
Team News:
Milan: Kucka and Niang are out thanks to suspensions. Bertolacci, Poli and Fernandez are out injured, which leaves Montella with some midfield troubles. This might see him opt for a 4-4-2 instead of his usual 4-3-3
Udinese: Cyril Thereau should return to the starting XI after missing the first 2 games due to a suspension carried over from the previous season. David Faraoni and Thomas Heurtaux are on the sideline with injuries.
Duvan Zapata and Stipe Perica are in competition to complete the attacking line.
Probable Milan XI: Donnarumma; Abate, Gomez, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Sosa Montolivo, Bonaventura; Suso, Bacca, Lapadula
Probably Udinese XI: Karnezis; Widmer, Felipe, Danilo, Armero; Badu, Kone, Fofana, De Paul; Duvan Zapata, Thereau
Previous Meeting:
AC Milan 1 - 1 Udinese
Prediction:
Expect a leaky Milan defence, but the attack should overcome it.
Milan 3 - 2 Udinese
Will the Rossoneri emerge triumphant? Speak about the match in our comments section below!