San Siro will as soon as once more host one of many season’s most anticipated fixtures on Sunday night, as Milan prepares to face Roma in a high-stakes battle that might reshape the Serie A desk. The Rossoneri, guided by Massimiliano Allegri, stay unbeaten in 9 video games throughout all competitions however have lately stumbled with back-to-back attracts. And whereas Christian Pulisic continues his restoration from damage, the main focus has now turned towards Allegri’s tactical selections — significantly round Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez — because the Italian coach ponders his beginning lineup for this important encounter.
Milan’s final two outings — irritating stalemates in opposition to Pisa and Atalanta — have uncovered a aspect nonetheless struggling to seek out consistency in entrance of objective. Allegri’s males have been stable defensively, however a scarcity of sharpness in assault has prevented them from capitalizing on early momentum.
In the meantime, Roma sits second with 21 factors, simply three forward of Milan, who’re in fourth. Each groups are inside hanging distance of leaders Napoli, making Sunday’s conflict not only a battle for factors however a possible turning level within the Scudetto race.
The Giallorossi arrive at San Siro in imperious kind, with seven wins from 9 matches and the league’s greatest protection, having conceded simply 4 targets. Gasperini’s males are unbeaten away from house this season and will win six right away video games for the primary time of their historical past. Milan, nonetheless, boasts a formidable house document — six victories from its final eight at San Siro — and the return of Leao might tip the scales.
One of many Rossoneri’s key artistic retailers, Christian Pulisic, will as soon as once more miss out on account of a lingering thigh damage that has sidelined him since early October. In response to Gazzetta dello Sport, the American star has recovered properly however won’t function this weekend as a precautionary measure. The medical crew and Allegri desire to take no dangers, guaranteeing the pair are totally match-fit earlier than returning.
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Modric to orchestrate the midfield once more
After weeks of bodily and tactical changes, Luka Modric stays Allegri’s most trusted presence in midfield. The 40-year-old playmaker has introduced stability and management to Milan’s rhythm, serving to stabilize matches when possession turns into chaotic.
Luka Modric of AC Milan
In response to Gazzetta dello Sport, Modric is ready to begin as soon as once more in a 3-5-2 formation, alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana. The Croatian veteran’s management will likely be essential in neutralizing Roma’s urgent recreation, particularly in opposition to Gian Piero Gasperini’s dynamic midfield trio of Cristante, Soule, and Pellegrini.
Will Santiago Gimenez lead the road?
Maybe the most important thriller surrounding Milan’s lineup lies in Santiago Gimenez’s availability. The Mexican striker, who final scored in Could, continues to battle a minor muscle drawback and will not function in any respect. Allegri confirmed that “Pulisic and Gimenez will miss the sport”, suggesting that Leao and Nkunku are more likely to spearhead the assault.
Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates with crew mate
On a brighter be aware, Rafael Leao has returned to full coaching after a minor hip challenge sustained in opposition to Atalanta. The Portuguese is anticipated to kind a part of a revamped assault that may function Christopher Nkunku, marking the primary time the duo begin collectively.
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Milan’s woes transcend Christian Pulisic’s damage: Santiago Gimenez’s surprising alarming document solely provides to Massimiliano Allegri’s headache
Milan vs. Roma: Projected lineups
Milan projected XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Modric, Fofana, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leao.
Roma projected XI (3-4-3): Svilar; Hermoso, Mancini, Ndicka; Celik, El Aynaoui, Kone, Wesley; Cristante, Soule; Dybala.
