Allegri Plans Modrić Replacement for Ac Milan Against Sassuolo
ac milan go to Sassuolo on Sunday 3 May at 15:00 CEST without Luka Modrić after surgery on a fracture to his left cheekbone. Massimiliano Allegri has already narrowed the replacement choice to Jashari or Ricci for matchday 35 at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.
Allegri’s Modrić decision
“Either Jashari or Ricci will play in Luka's place,” Allegri said on the eve of the match. He also said Milan need six more points to mathematically secure Champions League qualification, and that they cannot lose sight of the objective.
That leaves one clear change in the midfield picture and one clear target on the table. Milan arrive after a win against Verona and a draw against Juventus, with David Odogu ruled out by injury and Athekame, Estupiñan, Fofana, Leão and Saelemaekers at risk of suspension.
Sassuolo’s home form
Sassuolo come in after a goalless draw against Fiorentina and with five wins in their last seven home matches. They have picked up 23 points from their last 13 games, and Berardi is back after serving a two-match suspension.
Grosso called it a challenge and said, “We're very driven, we can still improve, and we want to continue doing so.” He added, “I hope we can play a great game because this team deserves to end the season on a high.”
Milan’s clean-sheet run
Milan’s recent defensive record gives them a base to work from. They have kept clean sheets in their last two league games against Verona and Juventus, and could post three in a row for the second time this season.
The away record at Sassuolo still leans Milan’s way. They are unbeaten in their last eight away league matches against Sassuolo, and their last Serie A defeat at the Mapei Stadium came on 6 March 2016, when Sassuolo won 2-0.
For Milan, the immediate issue is handling the absence of Modrić without weakening a side that is still chasing Champions League qualification. The next test comes with a midfield change, a tight suspension watch and six points still needed to lock the target down.
