Seria A: Crotone vs AC Milan

[artan]

Week 1

Seria A: Crotone vs Ac Milan
Crotone - Milan
Stadio Ezio Scida
MilanCrotone
Milan swept aside all before them in the Europa League, but now the new-look Rossoneri host Serie A miracle side Crotone.

This day may very well go down in history as the opening to a new era. After Silvio Berlusconi’s purchase of Milan in 1986, their first match was against Ascoli, which they lost 1-0. A wider audience is likely not to remember this game, however there are older Milan fans that remember their early season optimism being crushed after a shock defeat.

This match against Crotone is shaping up to be more of a spectacle than an actual football match. But just like that match in 1987, this is a generational moment. After years of trotting out free agents and finishing in disappointing positions, they can field an XI worthy of the name Associazione Calcio Milan.

Montella’s men head into this game with a weight of expectations. After spending over £200m this summer, the Rossoneri faithful are expecting a team unrecognisable from 2016. Anything except three points and a convincing display will have Milan fans churning out a host of takes.

The reality is that this team will take time to gel, lining up with seven new players. They already seemed to be in great shape during the Europa League preliminary rounds, crushing Macedonians Shkendija 6-0 on Thursday evening. Andre Silva and even much-maligned Riccardo Montolivo bagged a brace each, with Fabio Borini and Luca Antonelli also on target.

As for Crotone, they will be motivated to ruin Milan’s ‘opening ceremony’ of a new era. The Rossoneri only took a disappointing point from the Stadio Ezio Scida last season, so Davide Nicola knows how to set up against this Milan team.

The aim for this season remains much of the same for the Calabrese - avoid relegation. A mid-table finish is looking far too optimistic and they shouldn’t get ahead of themselves. A point against a potential Champions League team is not a discreditable result at all.

Milan could experiment with a 3-5-2 this season, as they have three great centre backs and their winger options are limited, but for now Montella seems to be sticking with a 4-3-3 formation. Alessio Romagnoli and Lucas Biglia are still out of action, Jack Bonaventura limped off in the final minutes of the Shkendija game, while M’Baye Niang, Gabriel Paletta, Jose Sosa and Gustavo Gomez are transfer-listed.

Crotone are without Adrian Stoian, but Simy is pushing for a starting spot after impressing in a midweek friendly.

Keep an eye on: Hakan Calhanoglu (Milan) - With all of Milan’s summer business, there’s still a distinct lack of creativity in the final third. The Turkey international is the exception, his final third passing and set plays will be the key to unlocking Crotone.

Form guide: Crotone (- - - - -) Milan (- - - - -)

Last season: Crotone 1-1 Milan

Stat fact: Vincenzo Montella has never lost against Davie Nicola, winning three and drawing one. These sides met in only three previous competitive games, but Milan won just one of those in 90 minutes.

Top tip: Milan -1 Asian Handicap

Crotone (probable): Cordaz; Faraoni, Ceccherini, Cabrera, Martella; Rohden, Izco, Barberis, Kragl; Tonev, Budimir

Suspended: None

Milan (probable): G Donnarumma; Conti, Musacchio, Bonucci, Rodriguez; Kessie, Calhanoglu, Montolivo; Suso, Andre Silva, Borini

Suspended: Paletta

[artan]

Cutrone starts.

[Dave]

HT 0-3

Cannot watch the game but it seems we are dominating and an early penalty and red card helped us.

[artan]

we dominated the game for 90 mins. Gave Crotone little space to play, even thou they had few scoring chances. We played well by opening the account in the first 24 mins and administrating the result for the rest of the time. I'm impressed as many of us, by Cutrone who earned a PK, assisted and scored one. The Kid is really a sensation. Dont know why we dont give him a chance for a season to show all he can, instead of splashing out 100m for Belotti or another expensive option. Loaning out would maybe help him, but for him to grow as a footballer ACM is the right place.

[artan]

A huge credit goes to Kessie. he is the man of this summer mercato. wont wonder me if next summer Real M goes after him.

[artan]

Locatelli is somehow disappointing, lethargic. Of this players that featured tonight only he reminded me of the last season's Milan. Very predictable passing, slow in his actions. Unfortunate for us Biglia sustained injury, we cant rely on Montolivo and Locatelli is a no go.

[Call Me 7 Cups]

25 mins to close the match i expected more from Crotone... really