AC Milan vs Sassuolo: Key Battles and Predictions

AC Milan take on Sassuolo at the San Siro this evening as the Rossoneri ook to solidify their position in second in the Serie A. Roberto de Zerbi made some negative comments about wanting to play Milan after their involvement in the European Super League hence there will be a bit of a grudge on the pitch. Milan need a big win here prior to the Lazio, Juventus and Atalanta showdowns.

Key Battles

Right winger vs Left back

Domenico Berardi vs Diogo Dalot

Berardi loves tearing it up against Milan and he will be going up against Diogo Dalot who is not a natural left back. The defence will need to be solid to stop his attacks down the right wing and not give him any space to shot from distance. Tomori will also need to be wary of the passes and crosses to Caputo from his wing. Milan must keep their cool to ensure they do not concede first and will only succeed if Berardi is shut out.

Central defensive midfielder vs Central midfielder

Soualiho Meite vs Pedro Obiang

Meite will likely get the nod ahead of Tonali as Stefano Pioli continues with his strange line up decisions. He will be in a physical battle with Obiang who has been the engine for the Sassuolo side in recent weeks in his box to box role. Obiang will be hounding our midfielders and we will need to keep some distance between him and Kessie to allow the Ivorian space to drive forward as much as possible.

SLeft winger vs Central defender

Ante Rebic vs Vlad Chiriches

Another game for the Croatia international to be the focal point for the Rossoneri attack. Rebic has scored in the previous two games and will need to make it a third for Milan to get through this given the resilience of Sassuolo’s defence. Rebic will similarly need to shoulder the burden of drawing the defence of Leao and Calhanoglu to make space in the middle. The winger needs to keep up his work rate and keep his head up for the full 90 minutes to help the squad through a key game.

Predictions

Berardi Winner

Meite Winner

Rebic Winner