"The Croatian midfielder does it all even at 40. He runs, wins the ball, drops back to defend and plays 90 minutes every week as if he were 24. He doesn't want anyone to remind him of his age, but he's making sure those who admire him forget it. On the other side, Ederson - albeit a different player - is a midfielder with a wealth of skill. The Brazilian didn't have an easy start due to an injury that sidelined him, but he's slowly finding his feet again. In midfield, he'll be capable of causing Allegri's men plenty of problems."
"Two players still without a goal, and whose summers haven't exactly been memorable. On the one hand is Santiago Gimenez, who Milan tried to offload in every possible way until the last day of the summer window, even in a swap deal with Artem Dovbyk. His contribution on the pitch is very useful, stretching the defence and creating space for Rafael Leao (plus winning penalties, it seems), but that first league goal isn't forthcoming and the Mexican is desperately searching for it."
"On the other hand, there's Ademola Lookman, a key figure this summer for another reason. The Nigerian striker spent part of the pre-season training alone while waiting for the deal between Atalanta and Inter to be finalised. The result? He didn't move, so showed up in far from perfect condition and a lot of effort was to get back into the squad. He's also looking to get going, though he did score the winner against the Rossoneri last season in this same game."
Midfield confrontation will be pivotal, with Luka Modric offering endurance, defensive work and leadership while Ederson brings skill and recovering form that can unsettle opponents. Striker form matters as both Santiago Gimenez and Ademola Lookman seek their first league goals after difficult summers; Gimenez stretches defences and creates space for teammates while Lookman regains fitness after an interrupted pre-season. A direct central duel between Charles De Ketelaere and his opponent could provide a decisive tactical clash. Overall, possession, individual sharpness and one-on-one battles will shape the match outcome.
Read at SempreMilan
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