Unavailability reigns supreme but this evening in Verona Paulo Fonseca goes further and will feature two out-of-roster players in the lineup.
In a context of tension mixed with the desire to redeem themselves, Milan faces a decisive challenge in the Verona evening which could prove decisive for the rest of the season.
With, at the moment, a sufficient amount of confidence on the part of the management, Mr. Fonseca's gaze is fixed on the importance of every single match, reiterating the need for a rise in the standings for the Rossoneri, currently in eighth place. Tonight's lineup, however, will be decidedly reshuffled.
In Verona with confidence
The match against Verona not only represents a test for Milan's recovery ambitions but also represents a key moment for Fonseca's future at the helm of the team. Despite the mixed results up to now, the leading figures of the management, such as Ibrahimovic and Moncada, seem to firmly support the coach's choices and projects. However, the trust placed in Fonseca emerged during the week, with an implicit bet on his ability to revitalize the team and lead it towards more ambitious goals.
Heavy absences
The evening will see Milan take to the pitch at the Bentegodi stadium at 8.45pm without many of their starters: as many as eight players ranging from the long-term patients Florenzi and Bennacer to those excluded due to technical choices (Theo Hernandez) and last-minute ailments ( Morata) and other illustrious injured players (Pulisic). Despite these defections, Fonseca appears ready to play his cards with a team that promises surprises and bold tactical choices. Two in particular will see players playing out of role.
Out of role
The list of unavailable players forces the coach to make forced choices for the lineup to field against Verona. Maignan confirmed between the posts, Emerson Royal and Jimenez on the wings with Gabbia and Thiaw central. Filippo Terracciano will most likely play as a surprise in the midfield in the new position of midfielder, thus allowing Tijani Reijnders to act as a true attacking midfielder (even though, here too, this is not his role). Abraham, with Chukwueze and Rafa Leao on either side, will lead the attack with the possibility of seeing Camarda take over.
