Sergio Conceicao did not like what he saw from AC Milan during their 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday, and he is preparing some changes.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write, the result on Saturday curbed the enthusiasm somewhat after the Supercoppa Italiana triumph. While Milan are not out of the race for the Champions League spots yet, they need some consistency to have a chance of catching up.

Conceicao called the first half against Cagliari ‘the worst of my career as a coach’. An immediate reaction is expected in Como and, also in light of the many close matches, he seems determined to make some changes, with an eye on the Juventus game on Saturday.

Defence

Since Conceiçao arrived on the Milan bench, the centre-back pairing has been Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. The two should also start in Como, demonstrating that the Portuguese coach’s choice is a precise one.

The one who pays the price is Matteo Gabbia, who under Paulo Fonseca had earned a starting spot after the benching at the beginning of the season. Emerson Royal, however, remains the first choice at right-back, with Calabria still behind in the hierarchies.

The younger Alex Jimenez for now is an attacking solution to be used mostly while the game is in progress, as seen by the fact that he came on at the end against Cagliari.

Midfield

With a yellow card Youssouf Fofana would miss the direct clash against Juve. Yet, Conceiçao does not seem willing to do without the Frenchman, even against Como, because he considers him fundamental in giving balance to the midfield.

Against Cagliari the former Monaco player was criticised for his role in the equalising goal, but after 25 games in a row as a starter it is natural that he could show some signs of tiredness. The insistence – first with Fonseca and then with Conceiçao – in not giving Fofana a rest shows the lack of a deputy.

Ismael Bennacer is seen more as an alternative to Yunus Musah in games where more ball management and less forward running is needed. Tijjani Reijnders, however, is untouchable, although the Dutchman’s performance is slightly down after Fonseca’s departure, which could also be fatigue.

Attack

Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will keen their spot, but should operate either side of Tammy Abraham. Alvaro Morata got the opening goal against Cagliari and his work rate was high as always.

Despite the missed opportunities at the end against the Sardinians, Abraham marked the Portuguese’s first trophy as Milan coach with the goal against Inter in the Super Cup and is appreciated for his energy and continuous runs in behind.

Who knows, he might also be the man who scores the goal that gives the Portuguese coach his first win in Serie A, while also fighting to show that he should stay.

AC Milan will make the short trip up to the lake this evening to take on their Lombardy neighbours Como in a Serie A contest they simply must win.

The scene was nicely set for the visit of Cagliari on Saturday: the Supercoppa Italiana trophy was presented before kick-off, and with both Lazio and Juventus dropping points there was a chance to take a step towards the Champions League places.

However, as they so often have this season, Milan stumbled when they couldn’t afford to. The end result was a 1-1 draw, after which Sergio Conceicao was far from impressed.

Today’s front pages

The Rossoneri must put things right against Como tonight, and the Italian newspapers are well aware of the fact.

La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Rashford first choice. First Milan offer to Manchester United. Conceiçao changes the Diavolo.”

Corriere dello Sport: “Milan: Walker in their hands. At 18:30 the battle with Como. Ibrahimovic awaits a response from Rashford.”

Tuttosport: “Milan, Como call.”

QS: “Conceicao cannot falter. Rashford-Walker, market crossroads.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In a dramatic turn of events, veteran South African actor Sello Maake kaNcube and his estranged wife, Pearl Mbewe, have found themselves in a heated dispute....Read Full Article >>➤

The drama unfolded when Maake kaNcube allegedly refused to return Mbewe’s personal belongings, including her clothes and underwear, after their separation. The incident took place at the actor’s home in Dube, Soweto, with Mbewe reportedly having to fight to retrieve items like her panties, shoes, and dresses.

According to reports, Maake kaNcube and Mbewe had turned several rooms in their shared home into workspaces for their individual projects. As their marriage crumbled, Mbewe tried to collect her belongings but was met with resistance from her former husband. She reached out to Maake kaNcube to inform him of her intentions, but he allegedly ignored her attempts, later claiming he wasn’t home when she reached out.

Things reportedly escalated when Maake kaNcube refused to grant Mbewe access to her possessions. Realizing she couldn’t handle the situation alone, Mbewe enlisted the help of friends and family to get her belongings back.

A source who witnessed the scene described the tense confrontation. Mbewe arrived at Maake kaNcube’s home with reinforcements, but the situation quickly turned chaotic. “When I heard him yelling, I knew something was wrong. There was a vehicle parked in the driveway, and furniture was being loaded onto it. Maake kaNcube was visibly agitated, shouting at the individuals assisting with the move,” the eyewitness shared.

In what appeared to be an emotional plea, Maake kaNcube allegedly told Mbewe that he still had feelings for her. However, Mbewe stood firm in her decision and reportedly dismissed his attempts, expressing her frustration. She made it clear that she was uninterested in his feelings.

Speaking to Sunday World, Mbewe shared her hopes for a peaceful resolution, saying, “I hope my estranged husband comes to his senses and returns all my belongings without me needing to involve the authorities.”