This post was written by our latest new writer: Ramy Algendy. You can follow him on Twitter here.

Wednesday’s fixture sees us host AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in the 2nd leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, with the winner progressing to the final. The first leg finished 0-0 so it’s all to play for on Wednesday night.

The Opposition

It has been a mixed season for the Rossoneri so far. After a strong summer transfer window where they purchased many talented players, the campaign started very badly. Montella struggled to bring the players together a team but now they are in top for. They are 9 games unbeaten in the Serie A and find themselves in the Coppa Italia semi-final and the Round of 16 of the Europa League. Their star players are performing again, including Bonucci at the back, Kessie, ex-Laziale Biglia and Bonaventura in midfield, and the young prospect Cutrone up front. On Sunday, they beat Roma at the Olimpico 2-0 which was a huge statement of intent.

It is clear that Gattuso has found the formula to make the new players gel together as a team. However, they are currently playing on 3 fronts. Milan find themselves battling in the Serie A to achieve a European place, playing Arsenal in the round of 16 of the Europa League and challenging Lazio in the semi-final of the cup. Their main threat is coming from midfield; Bonaventura makes alot of forward runs into the box and has been scoring regularly lately. Suso has been effective on the right wing with his speed and skills, whilst Cutrone has been keeping the likes of Kalinic on the bench with his goals. They have turned thier season around and game by game they are improving rapidly.

Last Time Out

Our Sunday game was a simple 3-0 away win against Sassuolo. Those three points proved vital, allowing us to move back into 3rd place with Roma losing. We were not tested much by Sassuolo and the game was already over after the first minute of the 2nd half. Inzaghi managed to rest some players including: Luis Alberto,De Vrij,Parolo and Lulic, with the last 2 coming on as substitutes towards the end of the match. Two impressive goals by Milinkovic-Savic and a VAR penalty kick by Immobile ensured that we came away with all three points. Felipe Anderson had a good game, assisting the brace scored by Milinkovic-Savic, whilst at the back Luiz Felipe had a solid performance once again. Question marks are still raised towards the performances of Jordan Lukaku and especially Adam Marusic, who was sent off for an undoubtedly stupid act.

Team News and Predicted Lineup

After being rested on Sunday, De Vrij, Caceres and Luis Alberto are set to be back in the lineup, with Lulic and Parolo also starting. As Marusic is suspended for the next two Serie A fixtures, including the match against Juventus, he might get a start in this game. This would leave Dusan Basta to start the Juve game. Felipe Anderson and Lukaku could be good options coming from the bench in the 2nd half against the tired legs of AC Milan’s defence.

Prediction

Lazio 2-1 Milan

It will be a very tight game with Lazio trying to score quickly to get the crowd behind them; boosting their confidence for the rest of the game. However, Milan won’t give up easily; they are very dangerous on counter attack and will cause us a lot of problems. This being said, I feel with our attacking force we should edge it by a goal and reach another Coppa Italia final; our 3rd in the last 4 years and our 2nd in a row.