Returned home with a 1-1 draw against Real Betis in the Europa League. A tough home clash against Juventus ahead of them. Strinic, Caldara and Biglia out. Bonaventura and Musacchio also absent. Higuain and Calabria in the squad. Cutrone and Calhanoglu might not start due to minor issues.
In occasion of their trip to Real Betis, Milan went one goal down almost immediately and seriously risked conceding once again before managing a timid reaction before the break. Having adopted a 3-4-3 formation in the second half, and a more aggressive attitude, they succeeded reaching a draw. Towards the end of the match, they risked a bit again but succeeded bringing a positive result home.
Reina made some decisive saves towards the end, when Betis came back into the game. Suso did not play a good first half but he woke up again in the second one, scoring once and creating at least one other great opportunity. Borini and Laxalt had real problems on the flanks as they were regularly outplayed by their opponents.
Despite being reached by Olympiacos at 7 points, Milan are still second-placed in the Europa League Group F on a goal difference.
In order to maintain their place among the Serie A top 4, Milan need to beat Juventus, the league leaders, at home.
Conti is eligible again and will be able to play despite picking up a 3-game ban with the junior team. He was not selected, though.
The longtime injured Strinic, Caldara and Biglia will miss out. Calabria has managed to recover in time for this one from an ankle issue. Higuain (knock on a flank) and Calhanoglu (knock on a foot) also made the 25-man squad but the former should be perfectly fine while the latter is still not fully fit. Bonaventura (knee inflammation) and Musacchio, who ruptured the cruciate ligament in a knee, will also be absent.
Calabria should prevail over Abate at right-back. Laxalt should be preferred to Hakanoglu on the left flank of the midfield. Castillejo could represent an alternative to Cutrone, who feels some pain in an ankle, in the attack.
Milan hosted Juventus 83 times: they won 28 and drew 33, while losing 22. On the whole they scored 114 and conceded 99. They lost 4 out of the last 5.