Rossoneri Round Up for Jan 5: Stefano Pioli Considering Ibrahimovic Over Piatek and Paqueta Over Kessie For Sampdoria Game

Stefano Pioli looks set to run with the line up he fielded in AC Milan's friendly victory over Rhodense against Sampdoria on Monday. The manager will be looking to an ultra-attacking 4-3-3 formation with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lucas Paqueta replacing Piatek and Kessie at striker and left midfield respectively.

The move looks to add creativity and technical ability into the squad that will be looking for an immediate response after the Atalanta debacle. Milan currently sit in 11th place with only 21 points from 17 games.

AC Milan and Italian Football Links

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic Tactical Preview [AC Milan Offside]
• A Birthday Tribute to Valentina Giacinta [AC Milan Offside]
• Perugia hire Cosmi after firing Massimo Oddo in Seri B. [Football Italia]
• Average Serie A attendances on the rise. [Football Italia]
• Cutrone is close to joining Fiorentina only 6 months into Wolverhampton contract. [Football Italia]

World Football Links

• Barcelona frustrated by Espanyol as de Jong sees red. [The Guardian]
• United States men's football squad cancel training retreat in Qatar over Iran situation. [Sky Sports]
• Manchester City beat Port Vale to begin FA Cup defence. [BBC]
• Real Madrid win as France's Varane scores a brace. [Goal]
• Bayern Munich to sign young Schalke 04 goalkeeper on a bosman. [Super Sport]