Milan – Pisa Serie A Week 8

Things had escalated quickly at Milan with injuries piling up post international break. Winless Pioli and Fiorentina were visiting Milan for the week 7 encounter. Pulisic, Rabiot had become major absentees with Nkunku, Estupinan and Loftus-Cheek joining the American and Frenchman on the sidelines. At least Saelemaekers had passed the fitness test and ready for the start.

With Leao being handed a the center forward role many eyes were on him to see if the somewhat enforced start would prove to be what the Portuguese needed. Milan and Fiorentina played to an indifferent first half with Ricci also getting an enforced start in midfield. Allegri had decided to keep Gimenez as a reserve center forward and instead used Saelemaekers in a more advanced role. The Mexican’s presence would be needed to add some much needed punch up front. While Milan could claim to be the better team the change would be a catalyst for a turn in the game after Gosens had taken advantage of bad bounces to give Fiorentina the lead. Leao fooled De Gea in the visitors’ goal and beat him in the far side to score his and Milan’s first. Later in the game a disputed penalty was converted by Leao to give Milan the 2-1 win and the top of the table. The on pitch referee and VAR didn’t exactly avoid talking points but Gimenez had a defender’s hand on his face briefly.

Last placed Pisa led by Alberto Gilardino come to the San Sir for this week 8 match. The injury situation at Milan is mostly unchanged with few options for Allegri and Milan. It is likely that the same starting 11 as week 7 are going to put on the jersey with the possibility that Estupinan, Loftus-Cheek and Nkunku are closer to fitness. Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic are now part of a team topping the table but also the owners of the second stingiest defence of this young season. This of course can go a long way in determining where Milan finish come end of the season. It is also fully expected the Milan will add a player or two in the January window to help the team on both ends of the pitch.

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