AC MILAN v SLAVIA PRAHA: THE BRIEFING

Standing between AC Milan and the first Europa League quarter-final in Rossoneri history - the last time in the last 8 of the competition, then the UEFA Cup, dates back to 2001/02 - is the dangerous Slavia Praha, who this season, they have already faced, and beaten, Roma in the group stage. For the first time, and then the second, the Rossoneri will face the Czech side over the coming week. Let's get ready for the first 90', at San Siro, with our Briefing.

FULL SQUAD AVAILABILITY
It hasn't happened often this season, being able to count on the availability of a variety of players. Numerous injuries have often meant that the Rossoneri have been forced into immediate solutions in various areas over the last few months out of necessity. With only Pobega still out, Pioli has the whole team available to rotate ahead of the particularly intense upcoming period (4 games in 11 days). Another useful return in light of this is that of Luka Jović, who is back from suspension to bring an added attacking force to the usual Giroud - still searching for his first goal in the Europa League since the 2019 final won with Chelsea - and Noah Okafor who arrives from his decisive goal at the Olimpico.

PICKING UP MINUTES AND GETTING INTO THE SWING
The return of players who have been out for a while, aside from opportunities for those who have played less, brings about another argument: the necessity for certain players to get into the swing of things, the habit of playing. Generally, the squad is in good condition, the recent games prove as much despite the fluctuations in results. Getting everyone on the same level is important ahead of a spring that we hope will be full of satisfaction. Alternating between the Europa League and Serie A gives us that opportunity. We're thinking of two defenders in particular in Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu, only just back in the Rossoneri rotation, as well as captain Davide Calabria who has overcome the issue picked up against Napoli. These are all important additions for a defensive department that is looking for consistency after the performances against Atalanta and Lazio, and that can count on other players in good form such as Florenzi, Gabbia, Hernández and Kjær. This range of options will raise the level of the full squad: a mix that could prove winning and decisive for the journey in the European competition.

A MATURITY TEST WITH SLAVIA PRAHA'S CHARACTERISTICS
Three at the back, swapping between a full midfield and an attacking midfielder behind the strikers, the desire to never give up hold of the game and always trying to insist on their rhythm and style. Trpišovský's Slavia Praha is a courageous and audacious side that has a long history with Italians - AC Milan is the tenth Italian side played in the history of the Prague club - and has picked up respectful results in recent years like in the Europe League 2018/19 quarter-finals or the Conference League 2021/11. Slavia Praha's key characteristics are comparable to the sides against which the Rossoneri have had the most trouble this season. Like Inter and Monza, for example,  the only teams that have pegged AC Milan back in the first half of games of Serie A. The Czech side's skills are also similar to Atalanta against whom the Rossoneri have shown clear progress after the two narrow defeats in the last two seasons. Slavia Praha provides an opportunity for growth from a tactical point of view, thus: a game to be approached with focus and dedication.

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