After deciding to switch to a 3-5-2 during preseason, Massimiliano Allegri had a very specific starting attacking partnership in mind: Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao.
However, as we wrote about in our feature last night, they are yet to actually start together due to injuries. Firstly the Portuguese went down with a calf issue, before the American sustained a muscle problem just as Leao was coming back.
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Towards the derby
As reported this morning by Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews), after the break Milan will play against their city rivals and the table-toppers Inter. Allegri will finally be able to field the Leao-Pulisic duo from the start.
Leao will be playing against Ireland tonight with Portugal and then against Armenia on Sunday, but he’s expected at Milanello on Tuesday and will therefore have plenty of time to prepare for the match against the Nerazzurri.
The American – who returned in Parma after a muscle problem that kept him out for almost a month – was not called up to the United States squad. He will therefore use this break to train and regain top form as quickly as possible.
While they’ve only been on the pitch once since the start of the season from the start (Coppa Italia vs. Bari), Leao and Pulisic have played together twice during the match.
The first was for 20 minutes against Juventus, when Rafa missed a big chance after a set-up from Chris. The second was in Parma, when Pulisic ‘returned the favour’ by spurning a one-on-one that came after a nice flick from his strike partner.
Leao and Puli without a 9 isn’t exactly a goal machine either…
Exactly, they still need a deep running midfielder to attack the box to draw attention or to receive the ball and strike. They do not have a reliable midfielder for that? Fofana does not run, he only camps and cannot shoot.
Do you expect a goal machine with Allegri ball? I certainly don’t. I expect 30-40% possession and being out shot. You’ll win some but you’ll also lose or tie teams you really should beat.
How do you know? How many times did they play together?
Neither one of them is a 9. They need one to ping off to come in from the outside and shoot or pass one another through to goal or just to pass to a 9 for a shot.
My point is Leao/Puli without a 9 in my opinion is a weaker outlet than with a good 9. That’s why I think Zirkzee would be beneficial for us.
We might get by with them versus smaller teams but against Inter while having no target man is sketchy. How do we establish any presence up front?
I expect Inter to dominate possession in this game and for us to be under siege. Inter has the highest scoring offense in the division and we’re trash at keeping possession. I think we’ll be playing for a draw and will be lucky to get it. A lot hinges not on Pulisic being available, but on Rabiot being available. If Rabiot can start our chances of coming away with a good result increase.
Hasil imbang???
Itu tidak akan menjadi hasil yang buruk.
Yep – Rabiot is the key to our season… keep him fit and we’ll challenge
Lea and Pulisic are both scoring goals, so considering the other options, this is probably the best combo