Santiago Gimenez will lead the road, Luka Modric will orchestrate the midfield, and San Siro might be buzzing — however the true intrigue heading into Milan’s conflict with Bologna surrounds one man’s health. Consideration in Serie A turns as to if Milan’s American star, Christian Pulisic, might be prepared for Sunday’s showdown.
Each groups sit facet by facet on three factors after two league matches, and with a Coppa Italia ultimate rematch on the playing cards, there’s extra than simply bragging rights at stake. Bologna, buoyed by their latest silverware and return to European soccer, might be desirous to show that their triumph final season was no fluke. On the similar time, the Purple and Blacks want consistency after a turbulent marketing campaign that noticed them end eighth and miss out on Europe fully.
Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the Milan dugout was meant to deliver stability, and after a stumbling begin — a shock 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Cremonese — the Rossoneri steadied themselves earlier than the worldwide break.
The two-0 victory over Lecce might have relieved a number of the early-season strain, however Allegri’s actual problem begins now. The group’s fundamental goal this season is evident: battle for a top-four end and return to European competitors. With key signings like Modric and Adrien Rabiot introduced in over the summer time, this reworked squad should ship.
Will Pulisic play?
The largest uncertainty heading into Sunday’s conflict facilities round Christian Pulisic. The U.S. worldwide performed late into the worldwide break, that includes for the USMNT in a pleasant towards Japan in Columbus, Ohio, earlier than making the lengthy journey again to Europe.
“Pulisic, nonetheless, stays a doubt for Milan, as he began within the worldwide pleasant… and has since needed to make the lengthy journey again to Europe, which has not left a lot time for restoration or for coaching with the Rossoneri,” reported Sky Italia.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan.
Past journey fatigue, stories point out that the 26-year-old additionally suffered a hand downside and might be evaluated earlier than kickoff. Allegri’s resolution may reshape Milan’s assault: if Pulisic is benched, Adrien Rabiot may make his debut, with Loftus-Cheek transferring right into a extra superior position alongside Santiago Gimenez.
Possible XI and what to anticipate
As per Sky Italia, Milan’s possible lineup is a 3-5-1-1 that includes Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek; and Gimenez main the road.
If Pulisic is handed match, he might be launched later within the recreation to stretch Bologna’s protection. But when not, Sunday is likely to be remembered because the day the Rossoneri followers acquired their first actual have a look at the Modric-Rabiot midfield axis — and maybe a glimpse of a brand new chapter for Allegri’s facet.
