AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is not likely to bench Christian Pulisic for the derby against Inter and go with Samuel Chukwueze instead, Carlo Pellegatti believes.
Milan have had 15 players called up for their respective national sides which leaves Pioli with a very thin squad at Milanello to prepare for the game on Saturday 16 September against an Inter side that have so far matched his team blow for blow.
We reported that Samuel Chukwueze could be given the chance to start the match against the Nerazzurri. He will only play one match on September 10 against São Tomé e Príncipe, whereas Pulisic – as well as Yunus Musah too – will be the last to return from representing the United States.
Pellegatti spoke during an interview with Radio Rossonera about the obstacles that Pioli faces in preparing for the derby including Pulisic’s late return, beginning by reminding readers that Lautaro Martinez will not be back any earlier.
“But Lautaro arrives on the evening of the 13th. He plays in La Paz at 3600 metres [above sea level], but they manage to organise it for him to return next Wednesday,” he said.
“Pulisic also plays on the 12th in Minnesota, but I think he comes back quickly… Chukwueze in his place? No I do not think so. But Pioli is honest, he will see how they come back.
“If he sees them tired, the jet leg, the brilliance… He would field the Nigerian international who also returns perhaps a day earlier. Then if he picks Chukwueze, it’s a good right side still.
“In fact, Inter perhaps don’t know him. But in any case Pulisic guarantees balance and knows the movements.”
We need our strongest line up right from the start in the derby. And that’s, at least so far, Pulisic. All the derby sensation and adrenaline will get rid off any jet lag, fatigue, etc.
Of course. Chukwueze need time for now let pulisic play and no doubt we will beate inter
Milan will not see draw in that game
He could start a potato on the right side and it’s still better than CDK so let’s just be thankful of this new dilemma.
I think Pulisic should start. There is no need for him to play the entire game for the U.S. It shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t mind Chuku starting some games but I don’t think the derby against Inter should be the first one.
Yes. Chuku can replace Pulisic After Halftime. The Pulisic will be fit for the clash against newcastle too
I think it should be the other way around. Chuku should get the start and Pulisic ought to come off the bench in the 60th/65th minute. Pulisic is clearly in form right now and it’s his position to lose. Coming off the bench as the “superior” of the two, at the moment, will provide us with a game breaking alternative just when we might be looking for an equalizer or a winner. If we’re somehow winning handily at that point, say 2-0 or 3-1, Pulisic need not come on at all and be fully rested for CL Match 1.
International friendlies are stupid and clubs should only release players for actual meaningful tournament games.
I hope our players come back in good condition and I hope they are not used fully by their national teams. I would even be happy if players fake an injury to get out of playing stupid international friendly games.
This week there are group matches for eu not friendlies. The real question here is will sLOVEnia manage to push through or will it be another failure for the little country with good cyclists and ski jumpers
Don’t forget the band Laibach and for that matter Neue Slowenische Kunst.
You can’t risk pulisic is better we use chukwueze
Chukwueze should start. He’s no longer a teenager. He faced read Madrid and destroyed their defence. Let’s give the platform to shine forth
Barring any injuries and knowing Pioli, 100% Pulisic would start.
I’m always nervous about the international friendlies though – fingers crossed everyone is going back with clean bill of health.
the defense finally came together in the last game. they were like double as compact vertically as they had been in the previous two games and they only man pressed…its hard to go with someone who you aren’t sure will execute because you havent put them in the position to. I hope they do soon. But the defensive structure needs to be that good.
Lets use chukwueze, he Is not new to big games and big matches.
Lets explore his abilities ,he knows what is expected of him. Even Okafor is not given the opportunity, we saw what he did last CL.
Scores 2 goals in three games and doesn’t start? Unthinkable. What kind of message would that send to both him and the rest of the team?
I think Chukwueze will start, and Pulisic will come from bench at 60-70 mins to give sudden explosion at last quarter.