Salvatore Bocchetti enters a new realm of managerial duties on Sunday as Hellas Verona host Milan in the 10th round of Serie A fixtures.
Currently occupying the 18th spot with five points from nine games, the Gialloblu have not amassed much success with their on-field results recently, with Gabriele Cioffi leading the team to four defeats on the trot before getting the infamous sack.
Milan, on the other hand, have been less unfortunate. Their current run of form doesn’t replicate that of the defending Scudetto holders, either.
In the league, the Rossoneri have lost only one in their last five matches, winning the rest. But the injuries and recent setbacks in the Champions League mean that there is more room for Verona to showcase what they have got in the locker against last season’s Serie A champions here.
Results in the last five matches in all competitions:
Verona: W-L-L-L-L
Milan: L-W-L-W-L
Team News
When it comes to injuries, Verona’s situation has not been as bad as their opponent on Sunday. But the likes of Ivan Ilic, Pawel Dawidowicz, and Diego Coppola will miss the game against the Rossoneri due to their fitness issues, while Federico Ceccherini will serve his suspension after being sent off from the bench in the game against Salernitana last weekend.
Milan’s Fikayo Tomori received a red card following a controversial refereeing decision in their home tie against Chelsea in the midweek. But since it was in the Champions League, Tomori is not suspended for the Rossoneri’s visit to Verona this weekend. However, as far as their treatment table is concerned, Alessandro Florenzi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Davide Calabria, Alexis Saelemaekers, Mike Maignan, and Charles De Ketelaere remain out with their respective injuries.
Predicted XIs
Verona (3-4-2-1): Montipò; Hien, Gunter, Cabal; Faraoni, Tameze, Veloso, Doig; Verdi, Hrustic; Henry.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Kalulu, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Tonali, Bennacer; Messias, Diaz, Leao; Rebic.
While the memory is “Fatal Verona” might be distant to some, the aura remains intact. With a new guide at the helm, could they accomplish something similar this time? If the last three meetings between these two sides are considered a prologue, Milan are coming out as the clear winners. But the honeymoon period of Bocchetti may have a different story to tell to its spectators on Sunday.
GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder
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