DINAMO ZAGREB v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW | OneFootball

Dinamo Zagreb are our final hurdle ahead of reaching the Champions League Round of 16. A win would see us through without a hitch and may not even be vital, but it's too early to be making calculations. We're only focusing on our upcoming opponents and this game, which is as vital for them as it is for us given their play-off hopes. The first thing to note: the Croatian capital-city club are coached by Fabio Cannavaro, who took over from Nenad Bjelica at the end of December. It's a tricky away trip against a less storied team - given their levels of ability and experience - but one that is sure to put up an extremely tough fight.

The Plavi (Blues) are in 26th place in the League Phase, just two points off the play-off spots. They need a win. Last time out in the competition, they slumped to a 3-0 defeat away at Arsenal, having gone a goal down early and virtually giving up midway through the second half. Their victories in the competition so far came against Slovan Bratislava (4-19 and Salzburg (2-0) and their remaining record reads two draws and three defeats. They have scored ten goals and conceded 18. In the HNL, the Croatian top flight, their fortunes have been better: third place, 32 points from 19 games, seven off league leaders HNK Rijeka.

UNPREDICTABLE ATTACK, PACKED BUT SLOPPY DEFENCE Dinamo have gone 270 minutes without a goal in the Champions League and haven't won any of their last five in the competition at the Stadion Maksimir. In spite of that, their attack remains unpredictable. They don't give defenders any point of reference and often rotate during a game. The Plavi's gameplan appears to be counter-attacks as they seem to have almost chosen not to have the ball in the Champions League. In general, though, they try to play their football, possessing some fine dribblers but lacking an abundance of physicality.

Before Cannavaro's arrival, they often went with a back five. They have now switched to a more solid and organised four-at-the back system. Despite keeping a low block, Dinamo are relatively easy to open up, conceding both space and penalties - they have given away more spot-kicks than any team in the UCL this season (4). While they may have a teatering defence, they carry a threat out wide in a 4-3-3 formation (which may become a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1) as their wingers are technical and good runners.

KULENOVIĆ THE CHIEF THREAT, LOOK OUT FOR PJACA Dinamo's chief threat is Sandro Kulenović. The 25-year-old striker is their top scorer both in the Champions League and HNL. He has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, six in Europe, and is a very dynamic player. A threat in and around the box, he has a keen eye for goal and is also able to bring his teammates into play. We will need to mark him tightly.

Petar Sučić (injured) is a big loss for the hosts but Dinamo will be able to count on some talented players with Serie A experience: attacking midfielder Marko Rog and, in particular, the tricky winger Marko Pjaca. We should also mention Dinamo's experienced captain Arijan Ademi, who brings plenty of steel to the midfield. Stefan Ristovski, a fast and vertical right-back, is one to watch as he capable of a big play in attack (3 assists). Luka Stojković is their bright young talent with his cultured right foot; he can play in multiple positions but prefers to be deployed through the middle.

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