Milan-Dinamo Zagreb is a match valid for the second day of the group stage of the Champions League and is played on Wednesday at 18:45
The chances of Dinamo Zagreb standing alone at the top of Group E after the first day of the Champions League were truly derisory, even in the best dreams of Balkan fans. And instead the surprising Croatians – at least for a week – looked down on everyone by virtue of their historic victory over Chelsea, beaten 1-0 at the Maksimir Stadium thanks to the seal of the most talented player in the squad at coach Ante Cacic’s disposal: striker Mislav Orsic. The defeat indirectly caused a real earthquake in the Blues’ house, which then degenerated into the resounding dismissal of German coach Thomas Tuchel, who was dismissed just over a year after the triumph in the Oporto final against Manchester City.
Acc Milan, then, are on notice. Dinamo is an opponent to be taken with caution. They are an organised team with good individuals from the midfield upwards and will arrive at the San Siro with a huge dose of enthusiasm, without having much to lose. Cacic’s men have only suffered one defeat so far this season – against Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the play-offs – and are literally dominant in their own league: after nine matches they are ten points ahead of the second-placed team and have the most prolific attack in the league with 28 goals to their name.
Huge chance for the Rossoneri
However, the Rossoneri’s challenge against the Croatians remains within their grasp, as they are almost obliged to take the entire stake after their half-hearted misstep in Salzburg. In Austria, the Italian champions did not particularly enthuse, suffering the incredible intensity of Matthias Jaissle’s formation. At the Red Bull Arena, seven days ago, it ended 1-1, a result that in any case takes on another meaning in the light of Chelsea’s slip-up, who remain the big favourites for first place.
Milan, meanwhile, immediately regained a smile in Serie A, winning 1-2 at the Marassi despite being outnumbered when Leao was sent off at the start of the second half, and regaining the top spot in the table. It was Giroud who did the usual to chastise Sampdoria: it will be his turn again to lead the Rossoneri attack, given the unavailability of the two strikers Rebic and Origi.
Orsic v Chelsea
The Prediction
Milan might initially struggle to break the deadlock but in the long run they should be able to pierce the stout Croatian defence. We imagine, however, that this will not be an easy match for Pioli’s men, considering Dinamo Zagreb’s excellent form. At the San Siro, Orsic and his team-mates will sell their skins dearly and it cannot be ruled out that they will find the way of the goal on at least one occasion.
All Milan v Dinamo Zagreb matchday squad
- MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernández; Tonali, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere, Rafael Leão; Giroud.
- DINAMO ZAGABRIA (5-3-2): Livaković; Moharrami, Ristovski, J. Šutalo, Perić, Ljubičić; Ademi, Ivanušec, Mišić; Oršić, Petković.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
