Bakayoko could start alongside Bennacer against Sassuolo, Florenzi expected to play in the right-back role | Rossoneri Blog

Tiémoué Bakayoko is a candidate to play from the first minute on Sunday, as Mike Maignan returns as well.

Milan host Sassuolo at Stadio San Siro tomorrow and they’ll hope to carry the momentum from their Champions League win over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.

Coach Stefano Pioli has already confirmed that Mike Maignan, who has recovered from wrist surgery much sooner than expected, will play from the start. However, there could be more changes compared to the XI that played at the Wanda Metropolitano.

According to Sky Italia, Tiémoué Bakayoko could be given a starting role on Sunday, alongside Ismaël Bennacer, allowing both Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessié to catch their breath. All four men played their part against Atlético, but Pioli is considering to start the French-Algerian duo.

In defense, Alessandro Florenzi is widely expected to play as a starter, leaving Pierre Kalulu on the bench. Davide Calabria is injured for the next 2-3 weeks and the summer signing from Roma is currently favorite over Kalulu. No surprises in the rest of the department, with Simon Kjær, Alessio Romagnoli (replacing the still unavailable Fikayo Tomori) and Theo Hernández starting.

In attack, Rafael Leão is set to return to the starting XI, playing alongside Alexis Saelemaekers and Brahim Díaz behind Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Probable XI (Sky): Mike Maignan; Alessandro Florenzi, Simon Kjær, Alessio Romagnoli, Theo Hernández; Ismaël Bennacer, Tiémoué Bakayoko; Alexis Saelemaekers, Brahim Díaz, Rafael Leão; Zlatan Ibrahimović.