Week 28: Lecce – Milan

A losing streak and ninth place is a team in deep crisis. The atmosphere around the team should be and apparently is at a low point. To hear headlines and rumours that (Italian) coaches are waiting in the wings to take over points to a mess and a lost season. Conceicao has had a bit more training time with the less busy fixture list and claims that he is a ‘increasingly lonely’ with little support from the top will be tested.

There had some reports that a few players will be rested and while it is hard to justify the need for rest it is perhaps a need for the coach to use his authority while it remains. it is now confirmed that Leao will start on the bench for this game away to Lecce. Whether moves like this are necessary or change this and future game outlook remains to be seen. Both Fonseca before him and now Conceicao himself certainly used many changed elevens.

Maignan got himself a one match ban apparently for saying something to the referee last week versus Lazio. Pavlovic is suspended due to red he received versus the same team. Refereeing continues to make its mark to taint the game further and further. VAR meant to improve the game and eliminate mistakes has not contributed much to its cause. One can certainly not deny that controversial decisions remain even with the extra eyes that are supposed to lessen them. Betting with Free Bets UK as to how this or any other game goes will be at the mercy of more than the players themselves.

Sportiello makes his first start in a long while with Thiaw and Gabbia in the middle. Walker and Theo will need to use their experience and speed if the rest of the season is to go as well as it can. Musah and Bondo are starting as pivots as the latter begins his Milan career. Jimenez, Reijnder and Pulisic are behind Gimenez as some early suggestions were that the Mexican would start on the bench with Abraham getting the start.

Marco Giampaolo hosts his former team with Lecce hoping to improve upon his team’s three point distance from the relegation spots.

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