Fonseca: ‘No crisis at Milan’

Paulo Fonseca hints at more changes in defence for injury-hit Roma and warns he doesn’t ‘believe in this so-called crisis at Milan.’

It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.

There is still an injury crisis, ruling out among others Edin Dzeko, Roger Ibanez, Chris Smalling and Davide Santon, with Marash Kumbulla at best ready for the bench.

Leonardo Spinazzola and Rick Karsdorp have been used as makeshift centre-backs, but Fonseca made his selections clear this time.

“I can tell you that Spinazzola will play on the left,” said the coach in his press conference.

“We have not tried Stephan El Shaarawy as a centre-forward, but if needs be, he can play there. Last week, you asked me if El Shaarawy could play as a full-back, now as a centre-forward!

“Smalling is doing better, I think he can return next week. Kumbulla trained over the last two days and will be in the squad.

“We have a specific identity and don’t change based on results. Against the big or small clubs, we always want to start building from the back.

“I saw no anxiety in my men, just the desire to put in a great performance.”

Roma have the best home record in Serie A, unbeaten since July, while Milan have the best away record.

“They are having a great campaign, perhaps not at their best lately, but I saw all their matches. If you watched their defeat to Inter, you’ll know they played well, created chances and the performances aren’t different, just the results.

“I don’t believe in this so-called crisis at Milan. What I saw is a strong and aggressive side that creates scoring opportunities. They aren’t getting the results they hoped for at the moment, but we’re up against a team that wants to win.”

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