AC Milan vs. Udinese: How the Rossoneri Should Line Up in Serie A Game

Milan go into their match at home on Sunday against Udinese not having won any of their last five matches in Serie A. Coach Filippo Inzaghi must deploy the ideal lineup to take on a Friuli side capable of getting points with their strong starting XI.

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The Rossoneri have managed four draws and a loss in their last few matches in Italy, a record that's seen them drop out of the top five while getting close to midtable. Due to injuries, we saw a makeshift lineup from Milan against Inter that ultimately resulted in a 1-1 draw.

With Ignazio Abate still iffy, Adil Rami should continue to be the starting right-back. The Frenchman performed admirably in this position against Inter and showed an unexpected soft touch and crossing ability going forward. 

In the centre of the defense, Philippe Mexes and Cristian Zapata will start as the duo. Even though Daniele Bonera is back from suspension for the red card he picked up against Sampdoria, he shouldn't be placed anywhere near the starting XI.

The left-back should be Mattia De Sciglio. No other player has logged more minutes than the young Italian international this season. Although he started off the season below average, he's picked up the pace quite a bit with more continuity.

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A huge storyline could involve the return of Riccardo Montolivo. Milan's captain injured himself before the World Cup and could be on the bench for the start of this match, per Italian paper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia). He would most likely receive time in the second half. The Rossoneri really miss his added creativity in the midfield, as that's been one of the sour notes of the squad this season.

Marco van Ginkel should make his second start of the season alongside Michael Essien, who will do most of the defensive duties as Nigel de Jong is injured, and Giacomo Bonaventura. Bonaventura has been converted from a winger to more of a side midfielder under Inzaghi, where he has the license to roam forward whenever he pleases.

Keep an eye out for Van Ginkel. The player who's on loan from Chelsea has barely seen any time this season and needs to make the most of his opportunity, assuming he starts.

The midfield unit is desperately crying out for a technical infusion, so Van Ginkel could be just what the doctor ordered to cure Milan's malaise. 

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Upfront, Fernando Torres should be moved to the bench after another anonymous performance. Expect Jeremy Menez to play as the false nine, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Keisuke Honda flanking him on either wing. 

Honda hasn't been able to find his scoring boots lately since netting six early on in the season. Meanwhile, El Shaarawy keeps growing and has been on the cusp of returning to the playing style that he had two seasons ago when he made his name famous.

Without Torres, Milan can be more explosive and unpredictable upfront, not giving the Udinese defenders any real reference point. 

This makeshift Milan lineup must find a way to get all three points against a talented Udinese side that has plenty of quality players ready to make the difference.