FIORENTINA v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

The international break is over and the league is back. After two weeks where we finally had the time to draw breath, the final part of the season now awaits. On the horizon for the Rossoneri is Fiorentina v AC Milan on matchday 30 in Serie A. Here is our Briefing, as we analyse some of the factors that could prove key.

POSSIBLE CHANGES
Yes, there was an international break, but not everyone had the time to rest. Several Rossoneri players only returned to Milanello on Thursday, two days before the clash in Florence. As a result, they could sit the game out or start on the bench. A demanding run of fixtures is about to begin and the contribution of everyone will be needed, meaning the squad needs to be carefully managed. The players who have worked at Milanello these past two weeks are chomping at the bit to take to the pitch, and many of them are in with a real chance of starting in Tuscany. One example is Chukwueze, who bagged his first Serie A goal in the team’s last outing in Verona. Tomori and Thiaw made the most of the international window to move closer to full recovery and step things up ahead of the closing stages of the campaign. Meanwhile, Florenzi seems set to come in for the suspended Theo. Rested, refreshed and ready to make a difference right away.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SPACES
Fiorentina love to manoeuvre and keep hold of the ball. The Viola possess a lot of quality - this especially applies to their midfielders and wingers - but they can become unbalanced as they look for attacking solutions. Italiano’s men have enjoyed a lot of success with their build-up play in the past, which is why the pressing work our lads do will be important. Disturbing their manoeuvres, being aggressive, forcing mistakes and, above all, taking full advantage of the spaces that open up: AC Milan need to do all of these things, all the while aware that Fiorentina’s attacking approach often leaves them susceptible to counter-attacks. However, if the Viola find their rhythm, they’re certainly capable of inflicting damage; they have the quality and tools to continuously fashion shooting opportunities. It’ll be vital to play high up the pitch and prevent the hosts putting together moves close to our penalty area.

AERIAL BATTLES
Fiorentina have scored the most headed goals in Serie A this season (twelve, through seven different players). AC Milan, meanwhile, have conceded the fewest in this manner (just one). The Rossoneri, who have made great strides forward in terms of the way they defend set-pieces and, in general, aerial balls, will have to be aware of the threat Fiorentina pose from dead ball situations and crosses from the flanks. Pioli’s men will also have to watch out for the runs of Lucas Martínez Quarta, who has four league goals to his name in 2023/24, and Nico González, who is dangerous in the air. Fiorentina are a creative side, so we’ll have to be really solid defensively.

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