Milan Coach Fonseca Unveils Surprising Team Selection for Verona Match

Ahead of AC Milan’s Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona, manager Paulo Fonseca has made some unexpected lineup choices. The coach explained his decisions, including benching star left-back Theo Hernandez and deploying new signing Filippo Terracciano in an unfamiliar midfield role.

With several players unavailable due to injury, Fonseca had to get creative with his team selection. He opted to start Tammy Abraham up front, with Tijjani Reijnders in a more advanced position. The coach noted that Abraham and youth player Camarda are more traditional center-forwards, unlike the versatile Alvaro Morata who is sidelined with tonsillitis.

Regarding Theo Hernandez’s omission for the second straight match, Fonseca stated it was fitness-related and that the French defender “needs to wait for his chance.” Young full-back Alex Jimenez retains his starting spot after impressing against Genoa.

Perhaps the most surprising choice was using Terracciano, typically a full-back, in central midfield alongside Youssouf Fofana. Fonseca revealed that Terracciano has been training in that position and praised the player’s intelligence and adaptability. With limited midfield options available, the coach felt Terracciano was the best solution against Verona’s aggressive man-marking system.

These unexpected lineup changes come as Milan aim to improve their recent form, having won just once in their last five league matches. The decisions also follow fan protests directed at club leadership and certain star players. Notably, goalkeeper Mike Maignan was given the captain’s armband for this match.