Milan – Sassuolo Serie A Week 15

Week 14’s story is all about one man, the one man that has recued Milan numerous times since his arrival from Chelsea. Pulisic, aka Captain America, was set to miss the match at Torino will illness and fever but made the bench. The team without had managed to fall 2-0 behind courtesy of a handball penalty, not controversial for once and a goal conceded from a familiar foe, Duvan Zapata. Rabiot’s long rage shot had swerved under the cross bar to narrow the deficit but Milan were looking less than convincing. Pulisic brushed aside his illness and was sent on with suspended Allegri looking on from the stands. Pulisic’s movement and anticipation had him putting the ball in Franco Israel’s net just moments later, Bartesaghi who had made way for the American had not completed his walk around the pitch to the bench yet. Ten minutes later good football IQ proved successful again and Milan hung on for a meaningful win.

Leao who had been subbed off due to injury just after the half hour mark will miss this match, and perhaps another week or two. He will likely be replaced with Nkunku. Nkunku has become the subject of failure and flop calls and it is difficult to judge what will transpire between now and the next two transfer windows. In the middle Ricci has been getting into rhythm and should remain a starter, perhaps even after Fofana returns from injury. Saelemaekers, Modric, Rabiot and Bartesaghi are set to remain starters. In the back Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic are the favorites to start with De Winter ready for a spot as well. Maignan is probably the only challenger to Pulisic for Milan’s player of the season award and he will start while many hope he can be convinced to remain at Milan beyond this season.

Sassuolo have had a mixed yet successful start to the season. The promoted team, coached by Azzurri legend Fabio Grosso, are eighth in the standings. Domenico Berardi, another familiar Milan foe is out injured.

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