Milan v Cremonese Match Preview: Modric to Start?

 

 AC Milan are ready to kick start their new Serie A season this weekend as they host newly promoted side, Cremonese at San Siro. Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly ready to start Luka Modric ahead of Samuele Ricci for this Saturday clash, with Rafael Leao out due to injury.

Milan to Start Modric in League Opener 

The Rossoneri will be starting their season in a packed San Siro as tickets for that game has reportedly been selling really well. Keen on starting on the front foot, Allegri will try to put out his best possible setup for this weekend, which includes playing Modric from the start. 

Although the Croatian international arrived a bit later in preseason, his condition seems to be improving and Italian media suggest that he will be starting ahead of Ricci. Modric's experience and creative playing style seems to be preferred by Allegri for this weekend match. 

Considering Leao's absence because of a calf injury, the Rossoneri might be looking to add more creativity from the midfield, so that's why the Croatian is preferred to start. Meanwhile, the decision to put Ricci on the bench, might be because for now Allegri wants him and Modric alternate with each other until the former Real Madrid star is in the best shape. 

For now, the Rossoneri boss seems keen on playing one of Ricci and Modric with two more physical and dynamic players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana.  Ardon Jashari is also in consideration but just like Modric, the Swiss international arrived later in preseason so he's condition is still not too sharp. 

Milan to Count On Pulisic, Gimenez, Saelemaekers Up Front 

Following the absence of Leao for this weekend tie, Allegri is set to count on Santiago Gimenez, Christian Pulisic, and Alexis Saelemaekers trio up front. At times, Pulisic and Gimenez would probably play like a striker duet, with Saelemaekers acting as a player who provide more balance, especially ini transition or when Milan don't have the ball in possession. 

Of course, losing Leao is a big miss for the Rossoneri, but the return of Saelemaekers and Allegri's setup should still give Milan more than enough fire power going forward. Aside from the midfield and offense, the tactician will be expecting his defense can put on a solid and focus display, something that they often struggle to do last season. 

Here is Milan's probable line up against Cremonese:

AC Milan (4-3-3): 

Maignan(g), Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Modric, Fofana; Saelemaekers, Gimenez, Pulisic.