Soccer

AC Milan vs. Chievo Verona: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

AC Milan hosts Chievo Verona with both teams seeking improvements on their recent performances.

Oct 4, 2014, 12:00 PM UTC

Mario Carlini / Iguana Press

AC Milan started the season positively, winning their first two games, only to spoil their good start by failing to win in their last three. Alarmingly, the rossoneri haven't managed to keep the clean sheet in any of this season's matches. Filippo Inzaghi admitted that his team needs to improve, especially in the defense, if they are to challenge for top three spot that brings Champions League football.

Chievo Verona, Milan's opponents on Saturday, are currently sitting just above the relegation zone. However, their performances so far this season don't leave much room for optimism. The Flying Donkeys will have to hope they can pull another shocking win against a big team, like they did to Napoli in the round two.

Key player - Jérémy Ménez

The Frenchman was always a huge talent, but never managed to turn that into a consistently performing at the high level. Since his arrival at San Siro, Ménez has emerged as a leader of this Milan squad, scoring three goals (two of which from penalties), but more importantly, he plays with confidence and fully embraces the role Inzaghi has given him.

Key matchup - Chievo’s attack vs. Milan’s defense

This is old news, but yes, Milan's defense isn't impressive. Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio seem to be completely out of form, and while the central defensive pairing of Adil Rami and Alex seems like the best the rossoneri can do, it's still not filling their fans with confidence.

That is not to say Chievo has an attack everyone -- or even this Milan -- should be afraid of, but it is, at least in theory a decent forward trio. Maxi López, Valter Birsa and Alberto Paloschi will have a strong motive to perform, as they are all former Milan players who might feel they deserved more than they got at San Siro. More importantly, they have characteristic that can trouble Milan's backline, being quick, in the case of López and Paloschi, and technically gifted like Birsa.

AC Milan injuries and suspensions

Riccardo Montolivo, Diego Lopez, Riccardo Saponara, Marco Van Ginkel (injuries); Cristian Zapata (suspension)

Chievo Verona injuries and suspensions

Ezequiel Schelotto, Mariano Izco, Ruben Botta (injuries)

Inzaghi will miss Riccardo Montolivo the most. Milan's captain is still at least a month away from getting back to playing football. First choice goalkeeper, Diego López, has been out ever since his injury against Parma in the second round, but should be ready for the next week's game. Eugenio Corini is without Schelotto and Izco, arguably among the most important players for the Flying Donkeys.