The match against Pisa at San Siro probably represents the most treacherous challenge in the run-up to the big match with Juventus. As La Gazzetta dello Sport recalled, in fact, the match comes just 72 hours after the exhausting clash with Arsenal, making a broader rotation necessary compared to recent outings.
The schedule is particularly packed: after Pisa, the team will face three consecutive away games. First Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday the 28th, then Cremonese on Sunday, February 1st, and finally Sassuolo in Reggio Emilia on February 8th. In between, there is also the match on neutral ground in Monza on February 4th in the Coppa Italia against Torino.
Lautaro will definitely be on the field from the first minute. His substitution in Tuesday’s match was part of an energy management strategy. The partnership with Esposito should be restored, although Chivu praised the selfless performance that allowed Thuram to trouble Arteta‘s central defenders.
Other announced returns include Bisseck, with Akanji moving to the center of defense, and Carlos Augusto replacing Dimarco on the left. In midfield, there will be room for Mkhitaryan, who turned 37 yesterday: one between Barella and Zielinski will give up their spot to him, with Sucic confirmed.
Diouf also hopes to find space on the right, the most delicate position while waiting for Dumfries to return, expected at the end of February. As for injuries, Calhanoglu should be called up for the match against Sassuolo and then return to the starting lineup in the big match with Juventus.
