Following a thrilling derby victory against Inter, AC Milan is set to continue their winning momentum as they face Venezia on Sunday morning. The match, which kicks off at 12:30 CET at Pier Luigi Penzo, promises to be a challenging affair for the Rossoneri, who find themselves in a tight race for the top positions in Serie A.
AC Milan's recent performance has been nothing short of impressive. They clinched a spot in the Coppa Italia final with a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Coach Sergio Conceicao has emphasized the need for his team to maintain their focus and intensity, especially with the Pope's funeral affecting media schedules and player morale.
On the injury front, Milan has received some good news. Ruben Loftus-Cheek made his return from injury during the Inter match, coming off the bench to contribute to the team's success. Kyle Walker, recovering from an elbow injury, is also available for selection. However, Matteo Gabbia, who suffered a neck injury during the derby, was initially ruled out but has since recovered and will start against Venezia. Despite concerns over suspensions, the team is in good shape, with key players like Theo Hernandez, Warren Bondo, and Rafael Leao just one yellow card away from suspension.
Conceicao is likely to stick with his successful 3-4-3 formation, making only minor adjustments to the lineup. Malick Thiaw will fill in for Gabbia in defense, while Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana are expected to retain their midfield roles to keep the momentum going. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, both looking to regain their form, will also feature prominently in the attack alongside Luka Jovic, who has been in fine form lately.
Venezia, on the other hand, is fighting to avoid relegation after being promoted to Serie A this season. Their journey has been rocky, particularly after the departure of manager Paolo Vanoli to Torino, which led to a shaky start under new coach Eusebio Di Francesco. Despite this, Venezia has shown resilience, recently earning 12 points in the second half of the season, including a notable draw against Napoli.
Currently sitting just above the relegation zone, Venezia is determined to secure their place in the league. They have been known to frustrate higher-ranked teams, as evidenced by their recent performances. Midfielder Gianluca Busio, Venezia's most expensive signing at €6 million, along with Napoli loanee Alessio Zerbin, will be key players to watch in their bid for survival.
Historically, AC Milan has dominated this matchup, winning 21 of their 32 encounters since 1936-37, with Venezia only managing four victories. The last meeting saw Milan overpower Venezia with a 4-0 win, featuring goals from Hernandez, Fofana, Pulisic, and Abraham, all scored within the first 29 minutes. With the Rossoneri's strong track record against Venezia, they will be looking to secure another three points to bolster their position in the league.
As the teams prepare for battle, the stakes are high for both sides. Milan aims to build on their confidence and secure a solid victory, while Venezia fights for their Serie A survival. The match promises to be an exciting clash, showcasing the intensity and drama that Serie A is known for.
In terms of predictions, many expect AC Milan to come out on top, especially with their recent form. However, with Venezia's determination to escape relegation, the game could prove to be a tougher challenge than anticipated. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: both teams will be giving their all on the pitch.
Kick-off is just around the corner, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter as AC Milan takes on Venezia in a crucial Serie A showdown.
