AC Milan Faces Sassuolo Test at MAPEI Stadium

AC Milan travels to MAPEI Stadium in Reggio Emilia on Sunday, October 11, to face Sassuolo in Serie A. The Rossoneri seek a top-four push, while Alberto Aquilani's side aims to challenge the fifth-placed visitors.

According to BBC Sport statistics, AC Milan entered the match fifth with 11 points from five games, including three wins and two draws. Sassuolo sat 10th with seven points after two wins, one draw, and two defeats.

Yahoo Sports reported that Sassuolo will miss several players because of injuries, including Ismaël Koné, Jay Idzes, Fali Candé, and Edoardo Pieragnolo. Goalkeeper Arijanet Murić was also uncertain after suffering a knock.

AC Milan faced selection issues after Alexis Saelemaekers suffered an ankle injury that was expected to sideline him for at least four months. Pervis Estupiñán was also doubtful after returning from international duty with a knee problem.

Rúben Amorim prepared an attacking approach featuring Gonçalo Ramos, Christian Pulisic, Diego Moreira, and Samuel Chukwueze, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The report said Luka Modrić could be rested after international duty, with Yunus Musah considered as a replacement.

Amorim explained his plans after the international break and the team's attacking adjustments.

"It's not necessarily a bad thing; we'll see on the pitch" said Rúben Amorim, AC Milan manager.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan's coach praised Moreira's ability to operate in different attacking roles.

"There's much more movement in the initial build-up play" said Rúben Amorim, AC Milan manager.

Amorim also discussed his responsibility to balance individual needs with team performance.

"I have to think about the good of the team, not just this or that player. Of course, we need to create more goalscoring opportunities and get more balls into the box, but not just for Ramos" said Rúben Amorim, AC Milan manager.

AC Milan's attacking preview also highlighted the importance of Pulisic and Ramos, with the American forward described in the report using the nickname "Captain America".

The report also referred to the Milan players as "supermen" while discussing Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi's previous impact against the club.

Sassuolo manager Alberto Aquilani spoke about his respect for Amorim and his own connection with Milan before the match.

"I admire Amorim, he made history. I played for AC Milan before they dismantled it" said Alberto Aquilani, Sassuolo manager.

Goal.com reported that Aquilani highlighted his previous experience in Portugal and his memories of Milan's past squad.

"I'll greet him in Italian, I don't remember Portuguese any more (laughs, ed.). I only spent one season in Portugal. We had Jorge Jesus in common, a manager who stimulated me a great deal, opened up new curiosities and ideas for me, and it was a very important experience. Amorim made history there, he won after many years, he had seasons of an extremely high level, and he has my esteem" said Alberto Aquilani, Sassuolo manager.

Aquilani also reflected on his time as a Milan player and the club's history during his press conference.

"I am proud to have worn that glorious shirt. When you go into Milanello you realise the greatness of the club. I played in a very great team, I believe the last one before the team was dismantled, with Berlusconi and Galliani there. I was unlucky too because there was an injury that affected me" said Alberto Aquilani, Sassuolo manager.

Sassuolo's attacking threat centers on Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurientè. Sport Quotidiano reported Berardi has scored 12 goals in 20 meetings against Milan, while Laurientè has scored in each of his five matches against the Rossoneri.

The report also used the nickname "Beradinho" for Berardi when describing Sassuolo's right-sided attacking option. Sassuolo previously defeated Milan 2-0, with Berardi and Laurientè each scoring once.