Rafael Leao and Luka Jovic are both expected to start tonight against Atalanta, and a report has claimed that we may be seeing AC Milan’s ‘cup pairing’ moving forward.
Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) recall how in the first match of 2024 – which was the round of 16 Coppa Italia game against Cagliari – Jovic scored a first-half brace which sent Milan on their way to a commanding 4-1 win.
The Serbian gave positive signs to the Milan management, who at the time were (and perhaps still are) still grappling with the Hamlet-like doubt of January window: to sign another central striker or not?
The former Real Madrid man was rested on Sunday in Empoli as Olivier Giroud played all 90+ minutes, scoring a penalty in the 3-0 victory in Tuscany, but he should in turn be rested for what is a fundamental match for the Rossoneri.
With Jovic it will be Christian Pulisic and Leao. The Portuguese winger started on the bench against the Sardinians, then came on and got the goal to make it 4-1 at the end, while on Sunday in Empoli he assisted Ruben Loftus-Cheek to make it 1-0.
Tonight Pioli will therefore rely on a couple that seem to be in good form which appeared unlikely a few weeks ago: Jovic and Leao. For Milan the Scudetto today seems out of reach, but the Coppa Italia and Europa League are targets, and this forward duo can help.
