Sat Jan 18 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## AC Milan Names Starting XI Against Juventus, Facing Injury Crisis

**Milan, Italy** – AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has announced his starting lineup for the crucial Serie A clash against Juventus, revealing a team significantly impacted by injuries. This will be the third meeting between the two clubs this season, following Conceicao’s victorious Supercoppa Italiana semi-final debut against the Bianconeri.

Several key players are sidelined for the Rossoneri. Malick Thiaw and Christian Pulisic are out due to midweek injuries, while Alvaro Morata is suspended. Further absences include Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alessandro Florenzi.

Conceicao has opted for Matteo Gabbia to replace Thiaw in central defense, partnering with Fikayo Tomori. Emerson Royal and Theo Hernandez retain their full-back positions. The midfield will see Ismael Bennacer and Youssouf Fofana in a double pivot, with Tijjani Reijnders in a more advanced role, supported by Yunus Musah and Rafael Leao on the wings. Tammy Abraham will lead the line in Morata’s absence.

The official Milan starting XI (4-3-3) is: Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo; Bennacer, Fofana; Musah, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham.

Juventus will field the following lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; McKennie, Gatti, Kalulu, Cambiaso; Locatelli, K. Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Mbangula; Nico Gonzalez.

The match is highly anticipated, with fans expressing immense excitement on social media and hoping to secure a victory against their rivals. The game promises a thrilling encounter given the circumstances and the historical rivalry between the two Italian giants.

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