In their build-up to tonight’s second leg against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, La Gazzetta dello Sport have spoken about the future of the defensive department for AC Milan.
This morning’s edition of the paper has a section titled: ‘The last dance for whom? Giroud bids farewell, Jovic almost. Adli and Bennacer: one will go’. The paper are talking about the possible exits in the summer for Milan.
The certainties
We start with the players whose situations are defined. Simon Kjaer’s deal at Milan will expire at the end of June and will not be renewed. Kjaer helped bolster the back line at a time of need when he arrived at the start of 2020, so for that fans and the club will be grateful.
However, Sunday’s 3-3 draw against Sassuolo was a symbol of where the Dane is at now. He was all at sea for the first two goals the home side scored and then after the third goal, he headed for the dressing room due to an injury that will prevent him from being there again tonight.
Meanwhile, it is hard to give a definitive rating to Fikayo Tomori’s season but in all likelihood he will be kept as a pillar for the defence of the future. The same goes for the other big names: the club will only evaluate colossal offers.
The doubts
Tonight’s decision to bench Malick Thiaw due to a tactical choice speaks volumes. It is not a final damnation by any means but a message to the German that he must find consistency again.
Neither he nor Pierre Kalulu (also injured) are at their ‘last dance’, but they must try and find some form between now and June otherwise things could change.
The paper adds a reflection at the end: a defence that has conceded 48 goals this season must inevitably be restructured, suggesting that there will be additions too.
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