AC MILAN v FIORENTINA: MATCH PREVIEW | OneFootball

The present meets the past with Serie A's seventh matchday, AC Milan v Fiorentina, the first match after the international break, marking the return of former coach Pioli to San Siro for the first time as an opponent. It's an important turning point, a chance to make a comeback after Turin and get this new stretch of challenges off to the best start possible. In the lead-up to kick-off at 20:45 CEST, here's the Match Preview:

LATEST FROM MILANELLO Just like every international break, several Rossoneri left Milanello to represent their national teams. Despite the smaller group, Allergri has been working efficiently and will have to make do without Estupiñán, Nkunku, Pulisic, and Rabiot, who are all unavailable. These are significant absences to work around; it will be down to well-judged changes and a strong team effort to compensate. Saelemaekers is back with the squad, Bartesaghi seems to be preparing for his second consecutive start, and Leão is ready to lead the attack, with Athekame and Ricci both available. The team left Turin with some regrets following their draw, the missed penalty, which could have turned the game around, but instead was a wasted opportunity. Nonetheless, it was still a point secured with no suspensions or players at risk of a ban.

"Matches after the international break are always unpredictable because the players come back after several days away, and we need to rebuild the right atmosphere and focus swiftly. We're heading into an important stretch of matches, and we must be smart and play with discipline. We need the patience to wait for everyone's return," said Coach Allegri on the day before the match."At the same time, we need to carry on securing wins. Fiorentina, regardless of the standings, are a great time with strong players. The boys are ready, and it will be an important opportunity."

LATEST FROM FIORENTINA A very difficult start for Fiorentina, who are already low down in the table, currently almost in the relegation zone, a present ranking showing how difficult things have been. No wins so far, three draws, and three losses, including the 1-2 defeat at the Franchi against Roma. Pioli's side, expected to line up in a 3-5-2, has found it difficult to score, even if they are victims of unlucky situations rather than bad performances. They're missing their flair, despite their European campaign, where they have only had victories in the Conference League (both qualification and group stage). Pongračić is fit to play, and Kean, who is the focal point of the attack, is likely to feature as well.

"I would have picked a different time to come back to San Siro," said Stefano Pioli, "I have wonderful memories of my time at AC Milan, but I'm not thinking about that now because I'm fully focused on what lies ahead. They are a strong team and continue to be despite their absences. I anticipate a team that wants to do well and is aware of its competitive prowess. The results may not reflect it, but I believe we are improving."

PRE-MATCH STATS

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v FIORENTINA In Italy, the match will be shown live on DAZN. To watch it in a different country, you will need to head to the "AC Milan on TV" section under the heading "Abroad". The Matchday coverage will be available on Milan TV: with the live stream starting from 20:00 CEST, leading you right up to kick-off. Following the match, there will be coverage of player interviews and Coach Allegri's press conference. Don't miss the coverage on acmilan.com, AC Milan Official App, the social media channels, and WhatsApp.

LATEST FROM SERIE A Livio Marinelli, from the Tivoli section, will be the referee, making it his 66th appointment in Serie A, having officiated seven previous matches for the Rossoneri, with the most recent being at Lecce this season: 2-0 win thanks to goals from Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic in the second half. The linesmen will be Mondin and Bahri, Arena as the fourth official, Abisso on VAR, and Di Paolo on AVAR.

The 7th matchday kicked off on Saturday 18, with Lecce 0-0 Sassuolo, Pisa 0-0 Hellas Verona, Torino 1-0 Napoli, and Roma 0-1 Inter. Sunday 19, features, Como v Juventus at 12:30 CEST, Cagliari v Bologna and Genoa v Parma at 15:00 CEST, Atalanta v Lazio at 18:00 CEST, and AC Milan v Fiorentina at 20:45 CEST. Then on Monday 20th, Cremonese v Udinese at 20:45.

Here are the current standings: Inter*, Napoli* and Roma* 15; AC Milan 13; Juventus 12; Atalanta, Bologna and Sassuolo* 10; Como and Cremonese 9; Cagliari, Udinese and Torino* 8; Lazio 7; Lecce* 6; Parma 5; Hellas Verona* 4; Fiorentina and Pisa* 3; Genoa 2. (* = one game in hand)

Subscribe to the AC Milan WhatsApp channel!