First league start since August: Captain Calabria returns with a mission | OneFootball

Davide Calabria is expected to start in AC Milan’s game against Cagliari this evening, playing from the first minute for the first time since August. Given the struggles this season, he will step onto the pitch with a clear mission.

Despite being the captain of the team, Calabria hasn’t worn it much this season as Emerson Royal has been the preferred choice on the right-hand side. Due to a suspension for the Brazilian this evening, though, the Italian will get the nod from start.

It will be his first league start since August 24, when Milan lost 2-1 against Parma away from home. He also started the first game of the season, the 2-2 draw against Torino. It should be noted that he has three starts in the Champions League, and one in Coppa Italia, but very few in the league.

Granted that he has missed a few games due to injury as well, it’s clear that Calabria hasn’t been able to prove that he should be a starter. Tonight’s game is thus the perfect opportunity to impress Conceicao, especially considering Emerson Royal’s defensive blunder against Inter.

Another factor to consider is his expiring contract. Milan are not too keen on a renewal as things stand, but perhaps their stance could change with a good second half of the season. It’s unlikely, but not impossible and Calabria will surely do everything he can to prove the management wrong.