THE OTHER DEFENCE

The fans and media alike have become accustomed to a settled AC Milan back line consisting of Calabria, Kjær, Tomori and Hernández. With the utmost respect to the other Rossoneri defenders, who all have every chance of making it into the starting line-up, the quartet of the Italy international, Denmark captain, the English stalwart and the recently-capped France international is the basis for the Rossoneri's starting XI.

But none of them started against Venezia at San Siro. Small aches and pains and a packed schedule made rotation necessary, and Stefano Pioli went with a new-look defence.

Against the Lagunari, the replacement defence kept a clean sheet, held the line really well and also contributed in the offensive phase. Pierre Kalulu, who replaced Calabria, tracked back and pushed forward along the right flank. Alessio Romagnoli - the Rossoneri's captain did play against Lazio and Juventus - often ventured into the opposition half. 

Matti Gabbi moved the ball around well and kept young Venezia striker Forte under lock and key. On the left was Fode Ballo-Touré, in place of Hernández, who made a very diligent debut, looking tactically at home. It goes for the defence as much as it does for the whole squad; this is a group, this is AC Milan. 

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