AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao has announced a three-man defense for their match against Atalanta as they aim to finish the season strongly despite facing challenges in securing a European spot. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still sidelined after appendix surgery, while injuries have also affected Kyle Walker and Emerson Royal. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan and striker Santiago Gimenez have returned to full training. The starting XI includes Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Hernandez, Pulisic, Jovic, and Leao. The bench features notable players like Abraham, Gimenez, and Joao Felix, while Atalanta fields a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Sergio Conceicao, the head coach of AC Milan, has revealed his starting line-up for the match against Atalanta, maintaining a three-man defence.
With a considerable distance from fourth place, securing a European spot in the league presents a significant challenge for Milan. Nonetheless, there is still a responsibility to conclude the season on a positive note, especially with the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg approaching next Wednesday.
Official starting XIs
Regarding injury updates before tonight’s match at San Siro, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is sidelined following appendix surgery, while Kyle Walker may make his return against Inter. Emerson Royal also remains unavailable, with no set return date as of now.
Mike Maignan and Santiago Gimenez have returned to full training on Friday and will be available for Conceicao. The coach has once again chosen a three-man defence after its successful implementation against Udinese.
Maignan continues as goalkeeper, flanked by Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic as the three centre-backs. Alex Jimenez and Theo Hernandez will serve as wing-backs, and Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana occupy the double pivot positions.
Up front, Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, and Rafael Leao form the attacking trio, with substitutes including Santiago Gimenez, Tammy Abraham, Joao Felix, Samuel Chukwueze, Warren Bondo, and Riccardo Sottil.
Official Milan XI (3-4-3): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Hernandez; Pulisic, Jovic, Leao.
Bench: Torriani, Sportiello, Florenzi, Bartesaghi, Terracciano, Thiaw, Musah, Bondo, Sottil, Joao Felix, Chukwueze, Abraham, Gimenez.
Official Atalanta XI (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Zappacosta, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, de Roon, Ederson, Cuadrado; Pasalic; Retegui, Lookman.
Bench: Rui Patricio, Rossi, Toloi, Kossounou, Suleman, De Ketelaere, Ruggeri, Samardzic, Brescianini, Maldini.