AC Milan are in Coppa Italia action on Thursday night, and it will be an opportunity for certain less-used players to stake a claim.
It will be an immediate rematch after the Serie A encounter on Saturday night, in which Rafael Leao got the only goal but the end was marred by subsequent refereeing controversy surrounding a potential handball, which led to red cards and protests.
Drama aside, the match in the capital will be an important test for Massimiliano Allegri, who is looking for decisive responses from the signings made in the most recent summer transfer window, before deciding what he needs in the upcoming one.
New chances
As Calciomercato.com report, only Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot have unquestionably assumed their roles as irreplaceable pieces on the Milan chessboard under Allegri out of the signings made in the summer.
The Coppa Italia match represents an opportunity to give at least one of the two a rest. In all likelihood, the former Real Madrid man will continue to lead the midfield but could be come off during the match, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek should replace the ex-Juventus man.
It’s not just Rabiot who could get a rest. Youssouf Fofana could also start on the bench, with Samuele Ricci replacing him and eager to impress having mostly been a rotation option. Ardon Jashari also seems to be the main candidate for a substitute appearance after his return from a leg fracture.
Analysing the other departments, there is a potential opportunity on the cards for Koni De Winter in the defensive line. Who he will replace remains a mystery at present, but with only three starts to his name so far and with mixed performances, he must prove he can be a very capable option.
Finally, the attack. Against Lazio, Christopher Nkunku should start again, and again a better performance is expected to begin repaying the investment of over €38m. The coach wants positive signs from the Frenchman, with Christian Pulisic’s participation unknown.
Ricci has done well when he comes in. He is the natural replacement for Modric, but can also do Rabiot’s job. The ones that really need to step up their game is certainly RLC, Fofana and specially Nkunku.
Also, give Jashari some minutes, he is afterall, our top signing last window.
Ricci has been crap. Unimpressed
I didnt say world beater. He has given limited minutes and hasnt made a mistake. That’s more than i can say for the other 2. It must be hard to impress you dude.
Ricci is actually alright. The latest matches he has looked call and haven’t done so many mistakes but Fofana pls drop him for Jashari against Lazio I want to see Jashari
Fofana is overdue for a break. As is Modric, but for different reasons.
Want to see Ricci get 90 and it’s time to see him wield more influence over the game. I can’t help but notice how much grace he is given compared to other non-Italian midfielders Milan have signed. He really hasn’t been much more than a warm body. At least he avoids killer mistakes…