AfriPulse
This week’s UEFA Champions League semifinal sees the Milan Derby take place, as Milan and Inter go head to head for a place in the final. Stefano Pioli’s Rossoneri overcame Serie A winners Napoli to reach this stage, while Simone Inzaghi’s Inter side disposed of Benfica. The teams will play two legs, with Milan hosting the first leg before Inter play at home next Tuesday.
Unfortunately for Milan, there is some bad news ahead of the first leg, with Rafael Leao ruled out through injury. Olivier Giroud, Theo Hernandez, and Sandro Tonali were all recalled to the starting XI for the win over Lazio after missing the draw with Cremonese and will start again in the derby, while Alexis Saelemaekers replaces Leao.
Inter, meanwhile, rested Lautaro Martinez, Edin Dzeko, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan for their win away at Roma but they will all return for the derby. Martinez and Romelu Lukaku had formed a successful partnership up front, but Dzeko will start alongside Martinez for this game.
Leao’s absence is a big blow for Milan, given his importance in their knockout win over Napoli. All hopes will now rest on Giroud, who often fares better with Leao alongside him. Milan’s chances over the two legs may have taken a hit, but it increases the importance of keeping things tight in the opening 90 minutes.
Overall, whatever happens next, one thing is certain: an Italian team will play in this season’s UCL final.
For comprehensive coverage of all things soccer, make sure to follow CBS Sports’ daily podcast House of Champions, featuring Fabrizio Romano and more.
Credit: cbssports.com
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