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Domestic cup football returns to Italy as the Italian powerhouse AC Milan take on 4-time winners Sampdoria at the Marassi Stadium in Genoa.
The Milan giants will be hoping to shrug off their recent slump in the domestic league circuit and get back to winning ways as they seek their first Coppa Italia since the 2003-04 season.
One of the Champions League hopefuls fighting for the last spot with AC Milan, Sampdoria have been impressive this season, with just 3 points behind 4th placed Lazio. The Marco Giampaolo-led side will be seeking for their first major honor since their Coppa Italia triumph way back in 1994.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the cup clash.
Sampdoria v AC Milan: Kickoff Information
Date: 12 January 2019
Time: 18:00 (local time), 22:30 (IST)
Venue: Marassi Stadium, Genoa
Sampdoria v AC Milan: Team News
Edgar Barreto remains the only concern for Sampdoria while Gaston Ramirez and Dennis Praet are just a caution away from suspension.
AC Milan is finally coming out of their injury crisis, with Mattia Caldara, Lucas Biglia and Giacomo Bonaventura as the only long-term absentees.
Ivan Strinic and Andrea Bertolacci will also miss out through injury while Spanish winger Suso is suspended.
Andrea Conti is expected to make his first appearance since 2017 while new signing Lucas Paqueta is also expected to get a few minutes.
Sampdoria v AC Milan: Probable Line-up
Sampdoria: Audero, Bereszynski, Tonelli, Andersen, Murru; Praet, Ekdal, Linetty, Ramirez, Defrel, Quagliarella
AC Milan: Reina, Conti, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Laxalt, Kessie, Bakyoko, Calhanoglu, Paqueta, Higuain, Castillejo, Cutrone
Sampdoria v AC Milan: Form Guide
In the last 5 competitive fixtures:
Sampdoria: L-W-W-W-D
AC Milan: W-D-L-D-L
Sampdoria v AC Milan: Prediction
The Milan side has been in poor form with just a solitary victory in their last 5 matches. Their opponents though have been in red hot touch, with 3 wins in their last 4 matches.
So, don't be surprised if a comfortable home win unfolds.
