The Mapei Stadium hosted a meeting shaped by return and response: Alberto Aquilani’s side back from the international break, looking to turn the lessons of Monza into a more decisive afternoon, and Ruben Amorim’s Milan arriving with their own ambition to keep moving forward in the Serie A season.
The coach and the club
Aquilani placed his faith in players whose recent work has given him confidence. He explained that Ignace Van der Brempt was a signing he specifically wanted, but one who needed time to regain full fitness. The defender, he said, had trained well during the break and looked ready for the occasion.
The coach also backed Vasilije Adzic, who has returned in good condition after doing well with his national team. Aquilani felt the midfielder was playing with confidence and deserved the opportunity. Just as important for the Sassuolo coach was the depth available to him: he stressed that his substitutes could enter at any point and make a contribution.
Monza remained part of the preparation. Aquilani said his staff had reviewed both the positive elements and the mistakes from that match. In his assessment, the missing ingredient had been greater ruthlessness in front of goal.
Milan coach Amorim had been warned that the Mapei Stadium can be an awkward place for visitors, but he made clear that his side had come with a clear purpose: win, play well and continue their path through the campaign.
He did not attach excessive importance to whether Milan would line up with a back four or three defenders. For Amorim, the key was aggression, approach and the mentality shown in every duel rather than the nominal system on the teamsheet.
Asked about Gonçalo Ramos’s scoring record, Amorim said he had no concerns. Ramos was doing good work, he argued, while Milan’s priority was collective improvement. If the team grows, he believes, goals will follow for more than one player.
The return to Serie A
Diego Moreira described the break positively and said he was pleased to be back in Serie A action. He expected a demanding contest but said Milan knew what was required.
Moreira also welcomed the possibility of a four-man defence, believing it allows the team to press more aggressively in attack. Milan had used that approach against Lecce, with a favourable outcome, and he said the group had responded well to it.
Among those present at the stadium were Stefano Pioli and his son Gianmarco. The visit carried a particular memory for Pioli: at this ground, he secured the 2022 Scudetto with Milan.
Selection picture
Pre-match team news pointed to Aquilani using a 4-3-3, with Muric in goal; Van der Brempt, Caleta-Car, Leysen and Doig in defence; Adzic, Matic and Bakola in midfield; and Berardi, Esposito and Laurienté across the front line.
An alternative Sassuolo selection listed Cinquegrano in place of Van der Brempt and Thorstvedt instead of Bakola, while retaining the same 4-3-3 shape.
Milan’s initial line-up was presented in a 4-4-1-1: Maignan; Gila, Gabbia, Pavlovic and Estupinan; Chukwueze, Musah, Rabiot and Moreira; Pulisic behind Ramos.
A further Milan selection indicated a 4-2-3-1, with Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic and Bartesaghi; Musah and Rabiot; Chukwueze, Pulisic and Moreira; with Ramos leading the attack.
Match officials
Neither squad had any suspended players. Fourneau of the Rome 1 section was appointed referee, assisted by Palermo and L. Rossi. Chiffi was the fourth official, while Santoro took charge of VAR alongside assistant VAR Meraviglia.
