Good afternoon and welcome to reside protection of the Champions League Group F recreation at San Siro between AC Milan and Newcastle United. First off, allow us to condemn one more incident wherein a soccer fan has been stabbed on an away day journey to Italy. For greater than 20 years there have been tales of slashings, ceaselessly from behind, and stabbings within the 24 hours earlier than video games in Rome, Naples, Turin and Milan and nonetheless it goes on. Some individuals who don’t journey say bother can at all times simply be averted however no matter precautions you’re taking, bar not going out, being jumped and stabbed within the again can occur to any particular person or group. Ambushes, random or deliberate, catch even probably the most cautious supporter abruptly as they’re designed to do. It’s Italy’s disgrace and Uefa’s shame that it retains taking place.
Proper, Newcastle return to European soccer for the primary time since their Europa League quarter-final defeat by Benfica in 2013, and the Champions League correct since a 2-0 defeat by Barcelona at St James’ within the second group stage in 2003. They arrive into the match after a 1-0 victory over Brentford when Eddie Howe stiffened his midfield with the introduction of Sean Longstaff and opted for Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes in his entrance three as an alternative of Alexander Isak and Miguel Almirón. They regarded much more stable however it does pose a query about Sandro Tonali beginning towards his previous membership right here.
Milan had been coping fairly properly with out him, switching to 4-3-3 and utilizing Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s propensity for dribbling, the box-to-box dynamism of Tijjani Reinders and Rade Krunic’s probing in midfield. Nevertheless it all got here horribly unstuck for them in Saturday evening’s derby once they have been gubbed 5-1. “In the present day’s consequence doesn’t take something away from the standard and depth of my squad,” Stefano Pioli mentioned to normal derision after the match. Towards a workforce that also depends closely on Rafael Leao for his or her spark and Olivier Giroud to maintain rolling alongside, Newcastle have greater than sufficient to take advantage of any additional wobbles.
