GdS: Predicted XIs for Sassuolo vs. Milan – Amorim opts for 4-2-3-1 formation

Since the convincing win against Lecce, there has been a lot of talk about the formation. While Amorim started that game with a three-man backline, it was very clear towards the end that it was more of a four-man backline, with Mario Gila playing as a right-back of sorts.

Of course, with not much else to discuss during the international break, the formation has been the key focus and it seems a change is on the cards here. Indeed, the game against Sassuolo should give us a first look at the new formation.

Formation and player changes

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, while there perhaps won’t be many differences on the pitch, the formation will at least shift from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1 on paper. The main difference is really the aforementioned Gila playing in a wider role, having shown that he can do well there.

As for player changes, two of them are expected compared to the win against Lecce. Davide Bartesaghi should take the left-back spot, sending Pervis Estupinan to the bench, while Diego Moreira will replace the injured Alexis Saelemaekers in the now attacking trio.

Speaking of the trio, Milan will clearly be very attacking-minded, but it has also been pointed out that this will give Samuel Chukwueze more freedom. He won’t have to defend as much, while Moreira is also quite strong in the defensive phase, taking on a Saelemaekers-esque role when Rafael Leao was at the club.

Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic, Bartesaghi; Modric, Rabiot; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Moreira; Ramos.

Predicted bench: P. Terracciano, Torriani, Tomori, Gabbia, Diawara, F. Terracciano, Estupinan, Jashari, Musah, Comotto, Loftus-Cheek, Cisse, Hutchinson, Camarda.

Predicted Sassuolo XI (4-3-3): Muric; Cinquegrano, Caleta-Car, Leysen, Doig; Adzic, Matic, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Esposito, Lauriente.

Predicted Sassuolo bench: Turati, Satalino, Van der Brempt, Odenthal, Obrador, Ghion, Lipani, Bakola, Sulemana, Skjellerup, Dominguez, Pierini, Bowie.