Assistant manager Riccio: Hope Gattuso avoids derby ban

Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant manager Gigi Riccio hopes the Coach will not be suspended for the Milan Derby after his dismissal against Chievo.

The tactician was sent to the stands for dissent and a row with Chievo player Riccardo Meggiorini on the touchline during the first half of the 2-1 Rossoneri victory.

“We hope he’ll be there for the derby, absolutely,” Riccio told DAZN.

Not all Coaches who are sent off are automatically given a touchline ban, it depends on what the referee’s report says and Gattuso’s disciplinary history.

“Unfortunately, it was just a moment of the game, but they cleared the air after the final whistle and it ends there.

“As for the game, we knew it was going to be difficult, as let’s not forget Lazio and Inter were held to draws here. We were in control and then made a bit of a mess on the Chievo goal, but Krzysztof Piatek got the winner and sorted things out.”

Ahead of next week’s Derby della Madonnina with Inter, Milan rested several players, giving Lucas Biglia his first start since October.

“Biglia had already come on as a substitute in previous games, so we knew he’d bring balance, organisation and leadership to the midfield.

“Andrea Conti is coming off a very serious injury, had played well against Empoli and this was a continuation of that journey back to full fitness.

“Diego Laxalt filled in well for suspended Ricardo Rodriguez, as he doesn’t pass as much, but does have more pace. Finally, we all know Hakan Calhanoglu had a rough week (flying back to Germany for the birth of his daughter), so we gave him a rest and tried out a front three of left-footed players.”