Although the transfer market has brought Stefano Pioli numerous alternatives forward, the injuries and unforeseen events are still creating some headaches for the Rossoneri coach in view of the match against Lazio, scheduled for Sunday at 18:00 at San Siro and valid for the third day of Serie A. Who, then, will play in the role of central striker against the Biancocelesti?
THE FIRST HYPOTHESIS – The most accredited card, considering the player’s condition, is to adapt Ante Rebic in the role of central striker. The Croatian, not called up for this national stop for ‘punishment’ after Euro2020, trained continuously with the team and would have the physical condition to play for many minutes from the start of the match; among other things, it would not be a first time: for the former Eintracht there are already 20 matches in the Rossoneri as the only striker, with 7 goals and 5 assists. The Rebic solution, of course, would not be the best from a tactical point of view: the number 12 is not a first striker and it is clear that with the presence of one between Ibrahimovic and Giroud, Pioli’s game would benefit.
THE TWO HOPES – This is why it is hoped that the two real first strikers available to Pioli will return to full capacity: Giroud and Ibrahimovic. For the Frenchman it is just a matter of waiting: if the buffer were to be negative in time, the 9 will take the field, otherwise he will be forced to watch his teammates from home. For the Swede, on the other hand, the temptation to play the starter is as great as the resulting gamble; Ibra hasn’t played a match since last May 10 (Juventus-Milan 0-3) and sending him on the pitch immediately would be a (perhaps) excessive risk. Better, eventually, to keep it good for the second part of the match, in order to put minutes in the legs without exceeding with the use. So, Rebic is the main candidate for a fake 9’s starting shirt for Milan-Lazio, but who knows … the real 9 are already trampling.
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