Once again this summer A.C. Milan changed their coach. Once again they've made an underwhelming start to the new season. However, that hasn't stopped president Silvio Berlusconi considering pulling the trigger once more, with the Rossoneri's incumbent tactician Siniša Mihajlović under pressure heading into Milan's clash with Sassuolo on Sunday. Milan sit down in the bottom half of the table after eight games, with their draw away at Torino last weekend leaving them just five points clear of the relegation zone.
A.C. Milan vs. Sassuolo 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
AC Milan coach Siniša Mihajlović‘s job hangs in the balance ahead of their clash with Sassuolo on Sunday.
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Sassuolo, in contrast, are having an excellent season so far. They're reaping the rewards of stability on the sidelines, with long-serving coach Eusebio Di Francesco having led them from the second tier to their current sixth-place position in the top flight. As it stands, they're on for an historic qualification for European competition -- something that would be a huge achievement for a club of their size. Milan certainly won't be expecting an easy encounter.
Key matchup: Domenico Berardi vs. Luca Antonelli
The star of the Sassuolo team is undoubtedly attacker Domenico Berardi, who has all the potential required to cement his place in the Italy starting lineup for years to come. He'll likely start this game off the right flank, meaning A.C. Milan left back Luca Antonelli will have to be at his very best to stop Berardi adding to the goal he scored in Sassuolo's win over Lazio last time out.
Will Siniša Mihajlović be sacked if A.C. Milan lose?
In short, no one knows. Silvio Berlusconi is wildly erratic and impulsive when it comes to hiring and firing his coaches, and he’s pretty difficult to second guess. However, that hasn’t stopped Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport from trying. They think Mihajlović‘s fate will be sealed within the next couple of games, which could mean a defeat at home to Sassuolo will spell the end. It’s all conjecture, but it’s clear it’s high stakes for the Rossoneri.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Jérémy Ménez (back); M'Baye Niang (foot). In doubt: Mario Balotelli (groin); Andrea Bertolacci (knee).
Sassuolo injuries and suspensions
Out: Luca Antei (knee). In doubt: Alfred Duncan (unspecified muscle).
AC Milan will still be without injured attackers Ménez and Niang, while Balotelli and Bertolacci both face late fitness tests. Defender Antei is Sassuolo’s only certain absentee, though he could be joined on the sidelines by midfield doubt Duncan.
Match date/time: Sun., Oct. 25, 9 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: RAI International (US and Canada - Italian); BT Sport Extra (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US)
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