‘Theo back, Bennacer is there’ – how Pioli will redesign Milan against Lecce

Training resumed for the AC Milan squad after a short break for the Easter weekend, and preparations have begun for the home game against Lecce on Saturday at San Siro.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning, Theo Hernandez was unable to play the lion’s share of the game against Fiorentina as he was suspended. In Dubai, where he spent a few hours relaxing before resuming preparation, he instead chatted with a real lion.

After the suspension following the misunderstood celebration away against Verona, Theo is ready to return and take back his place on the left side of Milan’s defence. The rest served to recharge his energy not only in view of Saturday’s game but also the two Europa League legs against Roma.

With Ruben Loftus-Cheek out due to suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the win over Fiorentina, he will follow Milan-Lecce from the stands and his goal tally for the campaign will remain stuck on 10.

In the meantime, Pioli will redesign the midfield and attacking midfield: RLC plays as the more advanced midfielder and is the man who supports Olivier Giroud.

The new tactical plan should include Ismael Bennacer in a role further forward with Yacine Adli returning in the double pivot, paired with Tijjani Reijnders.

New opportunities will open up in the league and the Europa League: Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic will have other chances as well as Yunus Musah in midfield. Simon Kjaer and Tommaso Pobega will also be able to participate in the rotations, given they are back on the training pitch.