AC Milan take on Benevento at the San Siro as Stefano Pioli looks to remain level on points with Juventus ahead of the massive fixture next weekend. Filippo Inzaghi’s side always do well against teams who are under pressure and have caused a lot of upsets this season.
Key Battles
Central midfielder vs Central defensive midfielder
Perparim Hetemaj vs Ismael Bennacer
Bennacer going up against Hetemaj is a similar battle that we have seen in the previous two games where eperienced Serie A midfielders are making a smooth transition back very challenging for the Algerian. He will need to deal with the pressure, release the ball quicker and give Milan a flow in the midfield as Benevento will look to break up the game and make it feel disjointed via Hetemaj.
Centre back vs Striker
Alessio Romagnoli vs Gianluca Lapadula
Romagnoli and Lapadula know each other well from their time at Milan and we all recall how he thrived off messy defences. Romagnoli is returning after an injury and is coming back with a chip on his shoulder given all the Tomori business. Can he keep our first clean sheet in almost two months? Romagnoli won’t need speed with Lapadula but cannot afford to give him even the slightest space.
Centre back vs Striker
Kamil Glik vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Glik is a seasoned defender in Serie A and knows Ibrahimovic will be looking to hit the ground running. The defender is clever and knows how to frustrate strikers keeping them at bay on the edge of the box but watch out for Ibrahimovic attempting to dominate in the air and on the break. The Swede will be looking to score but will need Rebic and Saelemaekers to spread the 3 man Benevento defence to get his chance.
Predictions
Bennacer Winner
Romagnoli Winner
Ibrahimovic Winner