28 August 2021, 15:27 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Italian Serie A fixture, AC Milan vs. Cagliari kicks off at 19:45 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 29 at the San Siro.
Preview Milan Serie A, Aug 29, 2021
Preview AC Milan began their Serie A campaign with a narrow victory over Sampdoria last Monday. In the opening minutes that followed, Rafael Leao's vicious left-footed shot forced a save out of Sampdoria's goalkeeper. Minutes later, Brahim Diaz (9') broke the deadlock after questionable defending from Sampdoria was complemented by an unconvincing piece of goalkeeping. Sampdoria came close to finding the equalizer through a freekick, but new summer signing, Mike Maignan was equal to the task in goal. Milan were lucky not to concede in the following minutes until the game progressed to its end. Before full-time, Ante Rebic saw his curling effort travel beyond the frame of goal minutes after coming off the bench for Milan. Having three points in the bag, coach Pioli would be on the hunt for three more when Milan welcomes Cagliari to the San Siro on Sunday. A 4—2—3—1 formation could be seen once again with the new acquisition, Olivier Giroud leading the attack despite failing to hit the target on his debut. Diaz looked comfortable in the midfield, - pulling the strings in the mid and opposing final third to see Milan pose a potent threat in attack. He is expected to keep his place behind Giroud on Sunday.
Preview Cagliari Serie A, Aug 29, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, Thiago Motta's Cagliari started their Italian Serie A campaign with a 2-2 draw on home soil against Spezia. Ghanaian forward, 27-year-old, Spezia's Emmanuel Gyasi (7') opened the scoring with a brilliant strike seven minutes into the game. A fine finish from the left-back, Simone Bastoni (58') increased the lead for the Black and Whites with minutes into the second half. Four minutes later, João Pedro (62') found the back of the net for his team, - a fantastic strike from a yard or two outside the box. A moment later, João Pedro (66' P.) returned for the brace. Spezia thought they had picked up another goal but the effort was ruled out by the flag. The game ended with both teams sharing the spoils at the Sardegna Arena. Leonardo Semplici understands that a difficult game awaits his side at the San Siro on Sunday and a point would be a fine result for Cagliari. A 3--4--2--1 formation is expected with Pavoletti leading the attack. Riccardo Ladinetti is ruled out, as he is sidelined with a heart condition while Marko Rog faces time on the sidelines. Paolo Faragò is doubtful with a hip injury and could miss the trip to San Siro.