AC Milan head to the MAPEI Stadium on Sunday looking to break into Serie A’s top four against an injury-hit Sassuolo side, in one of the weekend’s most intriguing fixtures.

The Rossoneri sit fifth on 11 points, unbeaten in the league under head coach Ruben Amorim with three wins and two draws, and will fancy their chances against a Neroverdi side missing several key players. The match kicks off at 5pm BST on October 11, and fans in India can watch it on ZEE5.

Injury worries for both sides

Sassuolo manager Alberto Aquilani must navigate an extensive injury crisis following the international break. The Neroverdi will definitely be without Ismael Kone, Jay Idzes, Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo, while midfielder Daniel Boloca is ruled out with a knee issue and Yeferson Paz remains a long-term absentee. There is further uncertainty over starting goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who picked up a knock while away with Kosovo, with Stefano Turati ready to deputise.

Despite the defensive setbacks, Sassuolo will stick to their classic 4-3-3, leaning heavily on their attacking trio. Domenico Berardi, who boasts a remarkable career record of 12 goals against Milan, will anchor the right wing alongside Sebastiano Esposito and Armand Lauriente to spearhead the attack.

Milan’s flank concerns and predicted lineups

Milan have their own selection headaches, particularly in wide areas. Winger Alexis Saelemaekers is ruled out for at least four months with an ankle injury sustained in training, while left-back Pervis Estupinan returned from international duty with a knee sprain and remains a major doubt — which could hand youngster Davide Bartesaghi a start.

Amorim is expected to deploy his favoured 3-4-2-1, with Christian Pulisic and Diego Moreira providing creative support behind Goncalo Ramos, who is expected to lead the line after an excellent international break with Portugal. Milan head into the game in good spirits after a 3-0 win over Lecce before the break. The head-to-head record favours the visitors — 13 Milan wins in 26 meetings — and most predictions back them, but Sassuolo’s enterprising start under Aquilani suggests the unbeaten run will be tested.