San Siro is prepared for one in every of Serie A’s early-season blockbusters. Milan hosts reigning champions Napoli on Sunday night time, in a conflict that pits Massimiliano Allegri’s reborn facet in opposition to Antonio Conte’s perfect-start Napoli. The sport is already being hyped as a possible title decider, and the names on everybody’s lips—Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, and Luka Modric—have added one other layer of intrigue. However with three superstars combating for 2 spots and tactical stability in Allegri’s system, the true query is: who makes the beginning lineup when Milan kicks off in opposition to the champions?
After a shaky begin to the season, Allegri’s Milan has clicked into gear. Following their shock opening-day loss, the Rossoneri have put collectively three consecutive league wins with out conceding, equaling their finest defensive run in 5 years.
Christian Pulisic has been the spark. Final weekend, he delivered a sensible double in opposition to Udinese in a 3-0 win, a efficiency that reaffirmed his standing because the Rossoneri’s talisman. Days later, within the Coppa Italia, Allegri’s males dispatched Lecce 3-0, with Santiago Gimenez ending his objective drought and Pulisic scoring but once more. Christopher Nkunku additionally joined the occasion, leaving the workforce’s assault trying sharper than at any level this season.
Conte’s Napoli, in the meantime, arrives at San Siro with most factors. The champions have received all 4 league matches to this point, putting them two factors forward of Juventus and three away from Milan. It hasn’t all been clean crusing. Their Champions League marketing campaign started with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester Metropolis, the place Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s early pink card left them shorthanded. However the Partenopei bounced again instantly with a 3-2 win over Pisa in Serie A.
Conte’s touchline ardour stays an indicator. His celebratory dash with Lucca on the Maradona mirrored the fierce unity he has instilled in his facet. With Rasmus Hojlund main the road and Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating midfield, Napoli journey north with no concern, having misplaced simply two of their final 21 away video games below Conte.
Who begins for Milan?
The suspense round Allegri’s choice has dominated the build-up. In accordance with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the expected Milan XI seems to be like this: 3-5-2 – Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Pulisic, Gimenez.
Meaning Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez are tipped to spearhead the assault, whereas Luka Modric anchors midfield alongside Fofana and Rabiot. Rafael Leao, simply getting back from harm, is predicted to be named on the bench, giving Allegri one other game-changer if wanted.
