For a membership in advantageous type, the worldwide break ought to deliver calm. But for Milan, it might ship the alternative. Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez, the 2 forwards who’ve turn out to be Massimiliano Allegri’s trusted attacking duo, are as soon as once more the reason for his rising unease — and never due to something that’s taking place on the Serie A pitch.
Each males have been very important to Milan’s sturdy begin to the season. Pulisic, reborn underneath Allegri’s system, continues to encourage each membership and nation, whereas Gimenez — although nonetheless looking for his first league purpose — stays an indispensable piece of the Rossoneri construction. However simply because the membership’s rhythm appeared set, Allegri faces one other take a look at of endurance from afar.
As Serie A pauses for worldwide fixtures, the membership’s coaching floor at Milanello has emptied, leaving Allegri with solely a partial squad. Amongst these on worldwide responsibility, none can have a more durable schedule — or longer journeys — than his two beginning forwards.
For Christian Pulisic, the call-up was inevitable. The 27-year-old winger stays central to Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the U.S. nationwide crew, who’re starting their last preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The American arrives at camp in prime type, his missed penalty in opposition to Juventus final week doing little to tarnish his impression at membership stage. He’s been one of many crew’s most constant performers, creating possibilities, driving play, and linking fluidly with Gimenez up entrance. Pochettino is aware of he can depend on him to raise the USMNT assault — simply as Allegri is aware of that when Pulisic returns, fatigue may as soon as once more turn out to be a priority.
Gimenez’s wrestle for targets — however not for religion
Throughout the entrance line, Santiago Gimenez continues to divide opinion in Milan. Regardless of scoring solely as soon as this season — within the Coppa Italia — Allegri has made clear that the striker’s contribution runs far deeper than numbers.
“Santiago is a basic piece of this crew,” Allegri mentioned after Milan’s goalless draw with Juventus. “He provides us construction — the way in which he connects play, holds up the ball, and presses from the entrance is significant. The targets will come, however what he brings goes properly past statistics.”
Gimenez has confronted strain to ship extra in entrance of purpose, however his professionalism and persistence have earned the supervisor’s belief. That loyalty may quickly be examined once more — not by type, however by distance.
The explanation behind Allegri’s concern
Whereas followers take pleasure in a break from home play, the 58-year-old Italian coach is observing a logistical nightmare. Tuttosport revealed that Pulisic and Gimenez will every embark on demanding worldwide journeys spanning practically 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) mixed — a journey that may nearly circle the planet. Pulisic’s travels will take him from Milan to Austin for the U.S. conflict with Ecuador, then to Denver to face Australia earlier than returning to Italy. The spherical journey covers round 18,800 kilometers (11,000 miles).
Gimenez’s route is much more punishing. The Mexican worldwide will fly from Italy to Dallas to face Colombia, then on to Guadalajara for a pleasant in opposition to Ecuador earlier than his 10,000-kilometer (6,000-mile) return to Europe — a complete exceeding 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles). Each gamers are anticipated again in Italy simply two days earlier than Milan’s subsequent Serie A match in opposition to Fiorentina, leaving Allegri in the dead of night over their health and readiness.
