Match Summary
The San Siro will be enlightened as they hope to watch AC Milan reverse their unstable form and rise back up the league table into the UEFA Champions League qualification spots after a defeat to Juventus last weekend.
On the other hand, Sampdoria are seeking to bring themselves back into the top half of the table after two consecutive defeats. Sampdoria have failed to win an away game in their last seven attempts, which adds to their failure to win against Milan in their five previous meetings.
Sinisa Mihajlovic, current manager of AC Milan, managed Sampdoria from 2013-2015. The club notably finished in seventh place above Milan in tenth last season, which can be a factor in Mihajlovic taking the job in the continuing rebuilding process to bring the Rossoneri back to European glory.
Vicenzo Montella took the managerial position of prior Sampdoria manager Walter Zenga, who moved to Al-Shabab in the United Arab Emirates after being blamed for the club's failure in the beginning stages of the Europa League.
As both clubs are currently sitting on a rocky road of form, they both are determined to find a place again among Italy's elite clubs. With the second half of the season quickly approaching, the question remains if the clubs will be able to maintain consistent positive results to break through the top spots in the Serie A table.
Team news and projected XI's
Diego Lopez, Jeremy Menez, Andrea Bertolacci are out due to injury. Additionally, Mario Balotelli and Luiz Adriano remain doubtful due to lack of fitness to make an appearance.
Possible AC Milan Starting XI (4-4-2): Donnaruma; Abate, Romagnoli, Alex, Antonelli; Bonaventura, Kucka, Montolivo, Cerci; Bacca, Niang, Bacca.
Andrea Coda, Joaquin Correa, and Mattia Cassani are out due to injury. Niklas Moisander is doubtful, but still appears in our possible starting 11 due to the lack of defenders available for Montella's men.
Possible Sampdoria Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Viviano; Silvestri, Silvestre, Moisander, Regini; Ivan, Fernando, Barreto; Soriano; Muriel, Eder.
Players to watch
Giacomo Bonaventura - Recording two goals and five assists already this season, Bonaventura has been the main maestro for the Rossoneri. However, playing as a center-midfielder will limit his creativity when having to drop deep to defend. If Milan are able to maintain possession, they will be able to utilize him to his true potential.
Eder - The Brazilian-born Italian national team winger is tied for second in scoring this league campaign with nine goals. Against a Milan defense that has appeared crooked at times this season, he is vital to the future success of Sampdoria if the board can surround him with more valuable teammates.
Verdict
Sinisa Mihajlovic being the former manager of Sampdoria provides a hefty advantage for Milan to capitalize against the already injury crippled defensive line. Sampdoria have gained two points from their last four matches compared to the six points in the same games played. The depth present for the Rossineri despite injuries may still be too much in the end, giving them the likely edge in front of their home crowd.