Rennes Vs AC Milan: One Step Again Towards The Last 16

AC Milan was not complacent against Rennes in the second match of the Europa League play-off. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan is one step away from the last 16 of the Europa League. A landslide victory 3-0 in the first match became Milan's valuable capital when they played their second play-off match against Rennes at Roazhon Park Stadium, Friday, February 23, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Milan is above the wind even though they have to visit Rennes' headquarters. Moreover, coach Stefano Pioli was able to field the best squad in the match.

Pioli previously overhauled the squad by not playing six core players against Monza in the Italian Serie A match last weekend. As a result, Milan had to admit Monza's 4-2 advantage.

Now, the Rossoneri focus on crucial matches in Europe's second caste competition. The advantage of three goals makes Milan only need a draw to win the last 16 tickets.

However, Pioli does not want the players to be complacent. According to him, the fight is not over yet. Rennes still has a chance to turn things around even though he has to score at least four goals.

"Winning in the first match gave us a big advantage. But it's not over yet and there are other matches that are no less difficult," said Pioli.

"We have to play in the right way. Moreover, we face Rennes who have a good record when playing at home. We also get to know each other after the first match. They certainly have the spirit of turning things around," he said.

Furthermore, Pioli called Rennes a good team and could not be underestimated. "Rennes a good team. They returned to winning ways in the league match even though they did not field the five main players. So it was a big mistake if we thought the task had ended [After winning 3-0]," said Pioli again.

Even though it only needs a draw, Pioli still hopes that the team will appear offensive. Striker Luka Jovic will start because he will miss the Italian Serie A match. Thus, veteran striker Olivier Giroud will sit on the bench.

Winger Rafael Leao who was fielded in the second half against Monza was again the first choice.

Moreover, he has recovered from a calf injury. Likewise Christian Pulisic will come down from the first minute. Together with Leao and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, he will support Jovic.

The defending midfielders Milan will be filled with Yacine Adli and Tijani Reijnders. Meanwhile, the back quartet was led by Simon Kjaer and Theo Hernandez.

Meanwhile, Rennes was strengthened by two pillars, Benjamin Bourgeaud and Desire Doue. Only in front, coach Julien Stephan will field Martin Terrier and Amine Gouiri.

Stephan did not make changes to other positions. He only hopes that Rennes can catch up with a three-goal deficit first to equalize the aggregate before turning things around.

Forecast Of Lineup Players Rennes (4-4-2): Mandanda; G. Doue, Omari, Theate, Truffert; Bourgeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Gouuri, Terrier

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Kjaer, Hernandez; Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Jovic