AC Milan are slipping up in Serie A with two straight losses. Stefano Pioli has slipped to second and are now regressing in the league.
In between a 2-0 loss to Spezia and 3-0 loss to Inter Milan, the Rossoneri blew a 2-1 lead in the 90th minute versus Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League last 32 first leg. Now, they have a slim lead going into the second leg thanks to the away goals rule.
Red Star Belgrade go up against an AC Milan team that are dipping at the wrong time of the season. There is an argument that AC Milan are regressing into the team they were expected to be at the beginning of the campaign.
Pioli’s team have won just four games in their last 11 matches in all competitions. They have been outscored 7-3 by opponents in their last three fixtures in all competitions.
Red Star Belgrade are unbeaten in 17 straight games in all competitions. If there is a time for Red Star Belgrade to win and move onto the last 16, this is it against a struggling side.
Pioli has two players that will miss the game this week. Striker Mario Mandzukic is out with a muscle injury. Ismael Bennacer is also ruled out through a hamstring issue.
The coach rested Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the first leg of the Europa League last 16 against Red Star Belgrade. He will likely be unleashed against the Serbian team.
Red Star Belgrade manager Dejan Stankovic is a former Inter Milan midfielder. The manager knows what it takes to defeat the Nerazzurri’s archrivals.
Stankovic will be without Milan Rodic after being sent off in the first leg for two bookable offences. The manager is waiting on the fitness updates of Veljko Nikolic and Aleksandar Katai. Both players are expected to return this month from their injuries.
☀️ Milanello ☀️Picking up the pace, onwards lads! 💪Aumentando il ritmo, avanti ragazzi! 💪#ACMFKCZ #UEL #SempreMilan @gruppo_a2a pic.twitter.com/LUkS1AifWg— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 23, 2021
☀️ Milanello ☀️Picking up the pace, onwards lads! 💪Aumentando il ritmo, avanti ragazzi! 💪#ACMFKCZ #UEL #SempreMilan @gruppo_a2a pic.twitter.com/LUkS1AifWg
AC Milan were good in the first leg but struggled to hang onto a lead late in the game. They have the away goals advantage heading into the game. However, a Red Star Belgrade goal would wipe away the away goal advantage the Rossoneri have heading into the match.
Pioli’s team are struggling but should get things together on Thursday night at home. AC Milan should edge the Serbians and pick up a win. Expect Red Star to push the Rossoneri and the game to finish with both sides finding the back of the net and over 2.5 goals scored.