Gabriele Maltinti/Getty ImagesDuring the week, Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi questioned the ability of Bacca and Balotelli to play together. Speaking to reporters (h/t Football Italia), he said: "I think it’d be … difficult to make Bacca and Balotelli play together, given that they are two centre-forwards with similar characteristics.
Despite Menez’s scoring twice in midweek, the latter is set to start this Sunday, per Football Italia, in a bid to "convince the club to buy him from Liverpool. "Predicted LineupsSassuolo (4-3-3): Andrea Consigli; Sime Vrsaljko, Paolo Cannavaro, Francesco Acerbi, Federico Peluso; Simone Missiroli, Francesco Magnanelli, Alfred Duncan; Domenico Berardi, Gregoire Defrel, Nicola SansoneUnavailable: Karim Laribi (injured)Milan (4-4-2): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Mattia De Sciglio, Alex, Alessio Romagnoli, Luca Antonelli; Keisuke Honda, Juraj Kucka, Andrea Bertolacci, Giacomo Bonaventura; Mario Balotelli, Carlos BaccaUnavailable: Ignazio Abate (suspended), Philippe Mexes, Rodrigo Ely, Diego Lopez, M’Baye Niang (injured)Players to WatchWhile they play aesthetically pleasing football, Sassuolo have lacked firepower for much of this term. This was perhaps inevitable given the sale of Simone Zaza to Juventus last summer, though Berardi and Nicola Sansone have also struggled to reproduce the form of previous years.
"The assessment was slightly unfair given the pair have started just one match together this season, in the 3-2 away win over Udinese last September. With Balotelli set to partner Bacca this Sunday in Niang’s absence, the duo will have another opportunity to show they can work well alongside one another. Key BattleMilan left-back Luca Antonelli has been incredibly consistent throughout his first full campaign with the club. The 29-year-old has continuously offered an attacking outlet with his forward forays but has not neglected his defensive duties in the process. It’s just as well, because this Sunday he will be up against one of Serie A’s finest attackers in Berardi. The left-footed live wire is finally starting to find his best form again, having scored twice in his last two appearances as well as picking up WhoScored.
Neroverdi striker Domenico Berardi highlighted the mindset he and his team-mates carry with them going into the match, telling Sky (h/t Football Italia):They (Milan) are a very strong team, but we’re not far behind. … It’ll definitely be a good game to experience and I really hope we’ll be able to win at home. Our goal was safety and we’ve achieved that, now we’ll play without any pressure. We’ll … fight to the end for a place in Europe. A top-six finish for Berardi and Co. would be an incredible achievement for a club who only reached the highest echelon of Italian football for the first time in 2013.
That is beginning to change, however, and Gregoire Defrel is playing an important role in the Neroverdi’s recent attacking rejuvenation. The French striker joined from Cesena at the beginning of the campaign, and after a settling-in period, he has begun to find his stride, hitting four goals in his last three starts. His movement, pace and sharp finishing will need to be watched closely by Milan’s defence. Balotelli is set to start alongside Bacca this weekend.
Where to watch Sassuolo - Lazio ? Full TV and streaming The Serie A is back in action with another round of matches this weekend as Sassuolo lock horns with an impressive Lazio side in
Sassuolo vs Lazio Prediction and Betting Tips | 15th January Where to live stream & watch Lazio Rome - Sassuolo Calcio on TV today: Is it on Prime Video, etc? Discover all live stream and TV options now on