Champions League semi-finalists Milan travel to Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday evening as they take on a Spezia side who are potentially facing the drop from Serie A.
It’s been a tough season for Spezia since they have been in and around the relegation zone for the majority of the campaign. They have been on poor recent form too, failing to win any of their last eight and their last triumph coming all the way back at the beginning of March. The Aquilotti have also lost their last three consecutive matches and need a dramatic change in fortunes if they are to evade a place in Serie B next term.
A 2-0 defeat away to fellow relegation candidates Cremonese last time out was a big blow too since the Grigiorossi are now within touching distance of Leonardo Semplici’s side. Hellas Verona and Lecce could still potentially go down too so all is not lost for Spezia’s survival.
The visitors enter this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat at home to city rivals Inter in the Champions League semi-finals midweek. The loss will hurt and it would now take some comeback in the return leg if they are able to turn the tie around. That makes victory here even more important if they are to finish in the top-four and wrap up Champions League football next season.
Despite currently going on a run of seven matches unbeaten in Serie A, Stefano Pioli’s men have dropped points in four of those games, meaning they have now slipped outside of the top-four. Milan have failed to win in any of their last three away outings either, drawing them all 1-1.
All three previous meetings between Milan and Spezia have ended in a scoreline of 2-1, with the Rossoneri recording two of those wins. The reverse fixture ended in victory for Milan in November after a late goal from Olivier Giroud snatched the win. Spezia did manage to beat Milan 2-1 at the San Siro when they met last season but Pioli was able to take home all three points the last time they clashed in Liguria.
With Rafael Leao dealing with a thigh problem, he continues to miss out for Milan and was unable to feature midweek either. His loss is truly detrimental to the way in which the Rossoneri play and they could struggle here without him. Leao is putting his full focus on getting ready for their semi-final second leg.
Malick Thiaw is unavailable for the visitors too due to suspension, while Ismael Bennacer is out for the season after picking up an injury midweek. Junior Messias and Rade Krunic have also been ruled out due to respective adductor and knee issues. Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains a doubt due to a calf problem.
The hosts are dealing with their fair share of selection issues too since Kevin Agudelo is banned, while Daniel Maldini, Julius Beck, Jacopo Sala, Joao Moutinho, Emil Holm and Petar Zovko are expected to miss out due to injury. However, Szymon Zurkowski has returned to full training, while M’Bala Nzola is looking closer to full fitness once more. Nzola has been significant for Spezia this season and his 13 league goals thus far sees him as the joint-fourth highest goalscorer in the division.
Fans in the UK can view the match between Spezia and Milan live on BT Sport 3 and via the BT Sport app.
Expert Insight: Spezia's dreadful form sees Milan enter this one as favourites but it will not be easy for them without Leao, especially due to the additional injuries suffered from midweek. Expect a close game that may not yield many goals but with the Rossoneri just about edging this one.
Serie A
UEFA Europa League