AC Milan are aiming to fend off the chasing pack when they host Sassuolo in an Italian Serie A fixture on Sunday. The Rossoneri often do their best work at home, while the visitors are looking a bit inconsistent at the moment.
AC Milan claimed a 3-2 victory at Torino last time out in Serie A, with Christian Pulisic netting a brace. That result took them back to the top of the table, albeit only on goal difference, with the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan close behind.
The Rossoneri have still only lost once in the league this season, picking up nine wins from 14 matches so far. Massimiliano Allegri's men have done their best work in front of their fans, winning five of their last six home matches.
Sassuolo will be pleased with their campaign so far as they sit in the top half on their return to Serie A. Fabio Grosso’s men claimed a 3-1 home victory over Fiorentina in their previous Serie A fixture.
Things have been a bit erratic for Sassuolo lately, with two wins and as many defeats in their last five matches. However, they have done some good work on their recent travels, going unbeaten in four of their last five away matches, although they fell 2-0 at Como in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Milan overwhelming favourites
AC Milan have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 4/9 by Ladbrokes to claim the win. A victory for Sassuolo is valued at 7/1 by bet365, while a draw is set at odds of 7/2 by Betfred.
Head to head: Milan on top
AC Milan have a 14-9 advantage, with five draws in the last 28 matches against Sassuolo. The last meeting was a Coppa Italia clash in 2024, with the Rossoneri easing to a 6-1 victory.
Players to watch: Razor-sharp Pulisic
Pulisic often delivers for AC Milan, and his brace at Torino took his tally to seven Serie A goals for the season. He will be the one to watch on Sunday (Christian Pulisic anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/8 by bet365).
Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pinamonti are both doubtful for Sassuolo, so much of the attacking threat will fall on Alieu Fadera. The forward is often lively up front and could be worth keeping an eye on (Alieu Fadera anytime goalscorer – priced at 7/1 by William Hill).
Probable line-ups:
AC Milan are likely to be without Rafael Leao, Santiago Gimenez and Youssouf Fofana, who are sidelined with injury. Pulisic should start on Sunday after scoring a brace off the bench last time out while Mattia Gabbia is set to continue at the back.
Sassuolo also have injury problems, with Berardi and Pinamonti likely to miss Sunday's clash. Fadera is set to feature in attack, while Jay Idzes should retain his place at the back.
AC Milan: Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan, Pulisic, Nkunku.
Sassuolo: Muric, Walukievicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig, Thorstvedt, Matic, Kone, Volpato, Fadera, Lauriente.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in three of their last four meetings (BTTS YES – offered at Evens with Paddy Power). All three fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals – available at 4/5 on bet365.
Given the minimal odds for a straight AC Milan victory, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (AC Milan win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 23/20 with Betfred).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting Guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
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