Milan without Theo Hernandez and Maignan for Sassuolo clash

Paulo Fonseca spoke to the microphones of Milan's official channel ahead of the clash against Sassuolo on Tuesday, valid for the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia. Having cruised past Empoli in their recent fixture at the weekend, the 'Rossoneri' will look to continue their positive run in a tournament that has not always been kind to them.

"Milan hasn't won [the Coppa Italia] in a long time and we need to set our ambitions straight," the Portuguese mangar said. "We have to be focused on tomorrow's showdown against Sassuolo if we want to reach the final, which has to be the target." On his upcoming opponent, Fonseca added: "They are not a Serie B team, they have Berardi and other players who are Serie A-worthy, they're a strong side".

Victory will give Milan a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the match between Roma and Sampdoria. However, the Italian giants will have to try to do so without two key players available to them; Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan. "Maignan will not be with us due to a teeth procedure, whereas Theo Hernandez is out due to bruising on his foot. Everyone else is ready," confirmed the Milan boss.

The pair's absence could be crucial as it forces Fonseca, who already confirmed players will be rotated for Tuesday's game, to make even more changes to his starting lineup. "Rotation? We have to do it, if we don't manage our players we run into the risk of having fitness problems, I have faith in everyone. We want to win regardless and we have a strong squad to do so," he concluded.

 

December 2, 2024