After the loss against Fiorentina Mancini took his tired team to Appiano for a special double training session. First a gym session and then tactical exercises for attack and defense and lastly he divided the group in two for the last part. It was heavy work and according to Sportmediaset Mauro Icardi experienced muscle fatigue which is worrying considering the game on Sunday.
Regarding the starting eleven against Benitez’s men Mancini could start with Palacio and Shaqiri, with or without Icardi. And maybe try with Kovacic behind the strikers, even though he did not impress in the position against Fiorentina. In midfield it is probable that we once again see Medel-Brozovic-Guarin, but there is also the possibility for the surprise; Hernanes. Mancini could decide to play him behind the strikers in the trequartista role instead of Kovacic or closer to the strikers should Icardi not make it.
Source: Sportmediaset
