The derby between Inter and AC Milan is now just a couple of days away, and one of the things Stefano Pioli hopes to lean on is the options he has on the bench.
As the Corriere dello Sera (via MilanNews) writes this morning, Milan and Inter arrive at the derby arm in arm at the top of the table and with full points obtained from their first three games, but with the Champions League on the horizon for both teams managing work loads is important.
Many of the new signings arrived at the beginning of the summer and immediately acclimatised to Milanello. Chrisian Pulisic has already in control of the right wing, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders are now established starters in midfield.
The three have adapted quickly to Pioli’s ideas and if it hadn’t been for Fikayo Tomori’s suspension, he would have fielded the same starting line-up for the fourth consecutive games, which Simone Inzaghi should do with Inter.
Olivier Giroud should lead the attacking trident while Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan shrugged off alleged physical problems so they will be there too, with Simon Kjaer taking Tomori’s spot by virtue of Pierre Kalulu’s injury.
If Pioli wants to change things during the match, will be able to rely on the speed of Samuel Chukwueze or Noah Okafor but also on the experience of Jovic.
These three have not yet had consistent minutes with the latter having arrived on deadline day, but they hope to be able to make their contribution on the biggest stage.
They have more rest under their belts too. The Nigerian played only once while the Swiss and the Serbian played for less than 20 minutes in two games. They are assumed to be fresh, and therefore eager to play a part.
