Simon Kjaer identifies the three matches that ‘give a bad look’ to their Serie A season, but has ‘absolute trust’ in his Milan teammates against Sassuolo.

It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 GMT.

“We had some good moments, but also others where we were disappointed by results. Sometimes football can be a strain, especially with so many matches. It is important for us to get back on track with a good home performance against Sassuolo,” Kjaer told Sky Sport Italia.

Fiorentina have now caught Milan in joint third place, so a result is needed here to hang on to that position.

This is a huge test, considering Sassuolo have won each of their last three Serie A trips to San Siro against the Rossoneri.

“Obviously, everything depends on results and we threw points away against Udinese, Lecce and Salernitana. Those are the games that give a bad look to our table.

“We’ve got Sassuolo, Cagliari and Empoli coming up. A team like ours, a club like Milan, has got to go and win all three.

“Sassuolo had some good results here historically, but we are ready.”

There have been question marks on coach Stefano Pioli and suggestions the squad has lost the heart and determination that allowed them to win the Scudetto, but Kjaer shrugs off any criticism on that score.

“Absolutely I trust this team. In my view, we are at a crossroads where we can develop our playing style and fitting in with new players, but I have not even a one per cent doubt on my teammates.”

Kjaer is the only fit central defender in the senior squad, so Theo Hernandez is again used as a makeshift centre-back to fill in the gaps.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Insider names frontrunner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win
Giannis Antetokounmpo rips Tyrese Haliburton's father for 'disrespectful' act
Celtics make unique NBA playoff history in Game 5 win
How Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers saga will end
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Watch: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton eliminate the Bucks in OT
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes advance, panic time for Maple Leafs
Jayson Tatum's historic game helps send Celtics to Eastern Conference semis
Pirates ace Paul Skenes explains why he's not concerned about potential injuries
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
49ers sign star TE to four-year extension
Spurs' Stephon Castle runs away with Rookie of the Year Award
Kings to make Doug Christie new head coach in full-circle moment

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.