One of the more intriguing Serie A matches of the weekend pits Milan against Palermo in a battle between a team hoping to have a bounceback season against one enjoying a surprisingly strong start to their campaign. Milan’s results have been pretty mixed so far this season, with two losses in three matches despite performances that have been, by and large, better than most of what we’ve seen from the rossoneri the past few seasons. They’re coming off a crushing derby loss to Inter, though, so whether they’ve got any positive momentum heading into this match is up for debate.
Milan vs. Palermo 2015 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Both AC Milan and Palermo are looking for a big win to really get their seasons rolling.
Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Milan will need to build that momentum quickly if they don’t have it, because Palermo have been a tough team this season. Despite selling some of their best and most promising players, some smart game planning from Giuseppe Iachini has them sitting on two wins and a draw this season. Palermo haven’t overwhelmed their opponents this season -- their two wins were both 1-0 matches -- but Sinisa Mihajlovic will still need to put together effective tactics and get his team playing as well as they can if they want to get all three points at the San Siro on Saturday.
Key player -- Luiz Adriano (Milan)
Adriano has been the brighter of Milan’s attacking signings so far this season, and he’s going to need to be on his game to get the better of a Palermo defense that’s been pretty hard to beat this season. If anyone in this Milan side is going to find a way to break through, either with a goal of his own or a key pass to set someone up, it’s going to be Adriano, because finding that keyhole opening is just what he does.
Key matchup -- Juraj Kucka (Milan) vs. Franco Vazquez (Palermo)
Kucka was one of the few bright lights for Milan in the derby against Inter last weekend, as he held down the midfield well despite some shaky performances by his fellow men in the middle. He’s going to have his hands full with Vazquez, though, as the Palermo attacker will be spending a lot of time drifting between the lines trying to find soft spots to exploit. If Kucka can’t keep Vazquez in check, it’s not going to be a fun day for Milan.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Andrea Bertolacci (calf), Luca Antonelli (knee), Jeremy Menez (hip), M’baye Niang (foot) In doubt: none
Palermo injuries and suspensions
Out: Francesco Bolzoni (Achilles’), Michel Morganella (knee) In doubt: Luca Rigoni (ankle)
Milan are dealing with a bunch of injury issues right now, with three starters sidelined with various ailments. The absence of Antonelli especially hurts, as Milan don’t really have much good fullback depth right now, with Mattia De Sciglio forced to switch from his natural right side to cover for him. Palermo are getting back a key cog, though, as Rigoni is a near lock to play after missing last weekend with an ankle injury.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada), Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia (Italy), BT Sport Europe (U.K.) RAI International
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. & Canada), Premium Play, Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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