AC Milan will be up against Genoa tomorrow morning and as highlighted by a report, the players are in good spirits despite the recent run of form, seemingly benefitting from the ritiro.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see featured images), Milan have absolutely zero shortcuts when it comes to qualifying for the Champions League. They have to win tomorrow, and then win again the following weekend to get it done.
Massimiliano Allegri and his men have already wasted too many chances, squandered too many points. In fact, qualification for the big competition seemed completely done just a few weeks ago, so the fact that they are even in this situation is remarkable.
Crucial clash coming up
To avoid a complete disaster, Milan must start by beating Genoa tomorrow at Marassi, then repeat that against Cagliari at San Siro. Gerry Cardinale pointed it out in his recent interview: Champions League is absolutely crucial, otherwise everyone will be under scrutiny.
Another person who knows that is Allegri, who has used ‘top four’ as his mantra throughout the season. During yesterday’s training session at Milanello, the gaffer reminded his players of their end goal, hoping to regain solidity, unity, and cohesion.
Furthermore, while you can say that finishing in the top four is essential for Milan, it’s also essential for Allegri to uphold his reputation as one of the best managers in Serie A.
All in their hands
Allegri is hoping that the training camp, a ritiro of sorts, will have a positive effect on his players. Above all, he wants to regain the focus that made them so strong at the start of the season, which seems like a very steep mountain to climb at the moment.
However, while it’s true that Milan have struggled lately, they still have everything in their own hands. They shouldn’t wait for results from other teams, but simply focus on winning the two remaining matches.
After all, Allegri has said many times that the UCL race could be decided on the final day, so then there is no drama! Only responsibility, which is something that the players should already be used to, given how much the Milan shirt means.
Modric could return
Yesterday morning, Allegri analysed videos of Genoa along with his coaching staff, before leading the training session with the team. Luka Modric ran on the pitch, albeit in a personalised manner after the usual physiotherapy, but he could soon get a mask to protect his face.
With that mask, he could return for the final game of the season to give Milan a massive boost in their top-four pursuit. Allegri has already said that he’s not counting on the return, probably to give confidence to the deputies, but it would be massive indeed.
After the training session, a large part of the team worked out and then relaxed by playing ping pong. The ritiro, it goes without saying, also involves sharing free time.
Decisions in attack
This morning, there will be the final touches on the training ground, followed by Allegri’s usual pre-match conference at 3 pm. The squad will then travel to Genoa for the game, including the suspended players Saelemaekers, Estupinan and Leao, as well as the injured Modric.
The CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare are expected to be present at the stadium. However, what will the starting XI look like? Allegri’s main doubts are in attack, where he needs to decide the partner for Nkunku: either Fullkrug or Gimenez.
The German is a more active attacker (he also showed decent understanding with Nkunku in the last match against Atalanta), but the Mexican is perhaps more ready to start. The returning Pulisic, meanwhile, will sit on the bench.
In defence, former AC Milan player De Winter should be preferred over Tomori, who will return from suspension but is struggling with an adductor problem. In midfield, the two-horse race is between Fofana and Jashari.
If the Swiss international plays, then Ricci will be deployed as a right midfielder. The untouchable is, of course, Rabiot. If there’s one player Allegri would entrust with the fate of his Milan, it’s the Frenchman…