AC Milan and Napoli will take to the field on Sunday evening, and Massimiliano Allegri was the first to share his thoughts on the game.
While waiting for his counterpart Antonio Conte to speak, Allegri touched on some interesting topics regarding the lineup in his pre-match press conference, making it very clear that he now faces a headache in the attack.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport picked out some of the key themes from Max’s presser. These included Rafael Leao’s playing time, the new attacking setup with the Portuguese’s return, and the midfield partner for Rabiot and Modric.
On Leao: “Leao will be available. I don’t know how much autonomy he has, he’s been out for 45 days and has only done separate training during this period.”
On the changes to the attack: “Will the attack change with Leao’s return? We’ll see as we go along. Leao needs to find his ideal form. Nkunku is growing like Pulisic, Gimenez has unlocked his potential, and we hope that continues.
“Then there are the substitutions. You achieve your objectives if those on the bench determine when they come on, for better or worse. For better, you achieve your objectives, for worse, you don’t.
“Choosing the lineup tomorrow will be very difficult for me. It’s important that those on the bench are available mentally to then determine when they come on.”
On Pulisic and Nkunku: “Everyone’s fine, I’m having a hard time making decisions. The important thing is that everyone gets on the pitch and whoever’s on the bench is ready for the decisive moment.
“Everyone wants to play, but I can’t play more than 11. In the end, we all achieve our goals: the ones who ultimately determine the seasons are almost always the ones who come on.”
On the third midfielder: “The important thing the club has done is that the arrival of Rabiot, an international player, has increased the competitiveness within the group. They are six very good players.
“Apart from Modric , who unfortunately is something you don’t see anymore in football and it’s a good thing we have him. The others are all very reliable and that’s a fundamental thing.”
According to the latest reports, Allegri is expected to choose Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez from minute one tomorrow. The player who will join Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric is tipped to be Youssouf Fofana.
I wouldn’t say that having Leão, Nkunku, Pulisic and Gimenez to choose from as starters or substitutes, qualifies for being a “headache.” This is a very inappropriate article title. I’d rather say that it is an embarrassment of riches. I’d rather have a dilemma about choosing between four good players for two spots, than not having players good enough to do the job, which would then be a headache. LOL.
“Nkunku is growing like Pulisic.” Can someone explain that phrase to me? You can’t compare Nkunku to Pulisic at this point so just curious what he means. Maybe it doesn’t mean anything. At this point it should easily be Puli and Leao up top with Nkunku first option off the bench. Santi after that.
Hmm don’t underestimate the importance of a pure striker. Even though Gimenez misses all his chances, he opens op so much space for Pulisic. Constantly moving and drawing defenders out of position. Leao will not do the same. So even though Pulisic and Leao are a better partnership on paper, I don’t actually see it working.
I believe much more in Pulisic playing in Fofana’s position and Rafa playing in Pulisic’s position
I agree with that but I think we need to see how Puli and Leao work together first because at this point they are the better two. I’m not anti Santi and I think he does a lot good but until he finishes consistently I think coming off the bench is the best option for now. Whatever happens Pulisic needs to be starting.
Matijs uve said something that few people will understand…Gimenez is playing, cause he creates space for others and he’s got good movements , thats why he gets these chances 🤫
I think Puli and Leao will be good… So does any of the 4 available players ( Nkunku)
Puli and Santiago will work for the team by making the runs that create scoring opportunities for others. When midfielders score it will be off of one (or both) of this to making runs to the posts to draw defenders. Will Nkunku be the same kind of player? We will have to see.
As for Leao, tracking back is not something that comes naturally to him, and he is not as reliable at making the run to draw defenders. However he is the most dynamic player with the ball at his feet, and not to bad in the box with his head on set plays.
Style of opponent may dictate where/when who plays. With slow build ups, backtracking is less critical than quick counter attacks.
For me, Saelemaekers is very important for our attack. He has to be careful, in order not to get injured. If they want to break our play in attack, the two main targets would be Saelemaekers and Pulisic. Italian clubs have a way of playing dirty in the big games, especially, with their key players missing out. These two have to keep pushing into Napoli’s defense. Won’t be surprised if we get a penalty, or one of their players gets sent off. We have to create, and take our chances. With the players available to Conte, I see Napoli holding out for a draw. Milan just has to attack them from the start, and ensure Estupinian push in to the middle, every now and then, to support Modrić. We have to score as many goals as possible. The team is at a disadvantage now, and, Conte, hasn’t hidden that in his statements.
This definitely will be a tough match for milan but I see a narrow win against us (milan) and I see a red card case also