Despite having just lost one game - a 1-0 reversal to Juventus - in their past ten games across all competitions, AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is still under pressure. After crushing Sampdoria 4-1, the Rossoneri were presented with three matches against bottom trio Hellas Verona, Carpi, and Frosinone and expectations were that these three games would translate into nine points as they push for a European spot.
Unfortunately, two straight draws with Carpi and Hellas Verona mean that the maximum number of points Milan can get from those three games will be five - provided that they defeat Frosinone this weekened - and the ever-vocal president Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly already grown frustrated with his new manager, meaning that this Coppa Italia tie and the Frosinone game could be decisive in whether the Serbian tactician remains at the San Siro. His first task will be to get past his former side Sampdoria in tomorrow's round of 16 Coppa Italia tie as they hope to turn their fortunes around - quickly.
Sampdoria
It has not been the best of seasons for Sampdoria, who are struggling to stay afloat this season. Vincenzo Montella, formerly the manager of Fiorentina, has not had a good start to his tenure in Genoa and has yet to win a game since taking over last month. In fact, the team's 1-1 draw with Lazio earlier this week marked the first time they were able to avoid a loss and given that they were humiliated 4-1 by Milan in their last meeting, the Blucheriati will be keen on avoiding that same result this time around.
Unlike the Rossoneri, this will be the hosts' first Coppa Italia game of the 2015/2016 season, having secured an automatic spot in the round of 16 due to finishing better than their opponents. However this is a competition in which they have not fared as well as they would have liked and a win tomorrow will certainly help to lift the team's spirits as they meanwhile struggle to avoid the drop in Serie A.
If they win tomorrow, Montella will be pitted against Carpi, as the Serie A debutants somehow managed to defeat Fiorentina to book their own spot in the quarter-finals.
AC Milan
M'Baye Niang grabbed his first Serie A goals for Milan in the 4-1 win against Sampdoria and fans will be hoping to see that same kind of performance from the young Frenchman - who has been quite solid this season - and his colleagues. A loss in this match could prove costly as the Diavolo are desperate to be featuring in Europe next season, and based on their showings as of late, it is increasingly becoming apparent that qualification through league play might be a tall order. As such, the Coppa Italia, which would guarantee them European football has become of the highest importance.
As a result of finishing 10th last season, this will be the third Coppa Italia tie for Milan. Despite beating Crotone in their last match, it took extra time for them to power past their lower-tier opponents and with the must-win game against Frosinone coming up this weekend, Mihajlovic will hope that his men can get the job done without too much exertion and quickly turn their attention to wrapping up 2015 with a victory.
Despite returning to training, Mario Balotelli will play no part, as the Italian international has reportedly been struck down by the flu; his Brazilian teammate Alex is also suffering from illness and will not be fit enough to feature, either.
Which channel is broadcasting Sampdoria vs AC Milan on TV or Online?
If you happen to be in Genoa, then you may be heading to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to watch Sampdoria take on the Rossoneri in this round of 16 Coppa Italia clash tomorrow. If not, and you are based elsewhere in Italy, you will be able to catch the game on TV at 21.00 CET on RAI Uno tomorrow on December 17th.
For those who live elsewhere, please check out our special Sampdoria vs AC Milan broadcast page for specific viewing options and times for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
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