15 October 2021, 11:13 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Serie A TIM fixture, AC Milan vs. Hellas Verona F.C. kicks off at 19:45 (GMT+1) on Saturday, October 16, at San Siro.
Preview Milan Serie A, Oct 16, 2021
Preview Milan’s fairytale start to the season continued on Matchday 7 following the 3-2 win over Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. The win leaves the club unbeaten since the start of the new season while having four victories in five games: WDWWW. Milan sits in 2nd place, having 19 points after 6W, 1D, & 0L. The number is a record-high, second only to those of the 2003/04 and 2020/21 campaigns when the club picked up more points (20) after the first eight Serie A games. With an impeccable home record against Hellas Verona which sees Milan undefeated in 29 Serie A home meetings against the visitors, (W16 & D13), this fixture shouldn’t pose too many difficulties for the Rossoneri. Furthermore, Pioli’s side have a 100%-win record on home soil this season and the 55-year-old would look to extend the red and black patch of victories on Saturday. A quick look at the numbers leaves AC Milan with a goal ratio of 2.14 goals per game, having scored 15 goals in seven Serie A games. The club has also conceded five times (0.71 goals conceded per game) and has a G.D. of +10. Pioli’s 4—2—3—1 formation could see Rebic in attack once again following the unavailability of Zlatan. The Croatian is preferred over Olivier Giroud as the match-rusty Frenchman continues to work towards full fitness. The club recently announced the acquisition of Mirante on a free transfer following a successful wrist surgery for the first-choice goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. AC Milan can confirm that they have signed Antonio Mirante. The goalkeeper has signed a deal with the club lasting until the end of the season, the statement read. Maignan is expected to be sidelined for 10 weeks. Milan will also be without Theo Hernandez for this game, having tested positive for coronavirus following his UEFA Nations League winning exploits with France. In his absence, summer arrival Fodé Ballo-Touré is tipped to start on the left against Verona.
Preview Hellas Verona Serie A, Oct 16, 2021
Preview Hellas Verona is in 12th place following the 4-0 thrashing of Spezia before the international break. The club has 8 points after 2W, 2D, & 3L and returns with the form: LWDDW. Being the side with the most goals from outside the box (3) in Serie A this season, Igor Tudor will hope the numbers count on Saturday when an unfamiliar face in the shape of Mirante or Ciprian Tătărușanu appears in goal for Milan. However, Verona has failed to win any of its last seven Serie A matches on the road (D3 & L4). On Saturday, Gli Scaligeri could line up in a 3—4—2—1 formation against Milan, with Giovanni Simeone in attack.