San Siro will as soon as once more be the stage the place Massimiliano Allegri’s red-hot Milan seems to be to consolidate its grip on the prime of Serie A. The Rossoneri, unbeaten in seven matches, welcome struggling Pisa, and whereas Christian Pulisic’s damage absence is a blow, Allegri nonetheless has choices to make — significantly over veterans like Luka Modric and ahead Santiago Gimenez, whose potential inclusion has been the discuss of town.
Milan’s current 2-1 win over Fiorentina was extra than simply one other three factors — it marked the membership’s return to the Serie A summit, reclaiming first place 743 days after its final stint as chief. However with nice momentum comes hazard. Successful in opposition to Pisa, particularly because the opening fixture of the weekend, would permit the Rossoneri to use early stress on rivals Inter, Napoli, and Roma.
The upcoming fixture additionally represents a logistical puzzle for coach Allegri. Milan’s damage listing stays lengthy, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan, Ardon Jashari, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all unavailable.
Sky Italia reported that Loftus-Cheek, nonetheless nursing a muscle challenge, is not going to function, whereas Estupinan continues particular person remedy after an ankle damage sustained on worldwide obligation. In higher information, Christopher Nkunku has returned to full coaching and is predicted to be on the bench.
For Alberto Gilardino’s Pisa, the duty at San Siro seems to be monumental. The Tuscan aspect are backside of the desk with simply three factors and three objectives — their worst-ever begin in Serie A. Their final match, a goalless draw with Verona, summed up their struggles: strong in protection, blunt in assault. Pisa has confronted Milan 12 instances in Serie A historical past, dropping 10 and drawing two. The Nerazzurri have failed to attain in 9 of these encounters.
Modric and Gimenez choices loom massive
And right here lies the central query: Will Allegri begin Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez? After weeks of hypothesis, each are anticipated to play a pivotal function in opposition to Pisa. Modric, 40, has been a revelation since his summer time transfer, dictating the midfield tempo with the calm precision solely he can present. His partnership with Youssouf Fofana and Samuele Ricci offers Milan a stability of expertise and power.
Up entrance, Santiago Gimenez continues to develop in significance. With Pulisic sidelined, the Argentine-born Mexican striker might once more lead the road alongside Rafael Leao, who rediscovered his scoring contact with a brace in opposition to Fiorentina.
Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan.
In keeping with Sky Italia, Allegri is predicted to make use of Gimenez and Modric from the beginning, although he might relaxation Fikayo Tomori, who leads the group with 775 minutes performed this season. Koni De Winter might step in, providing contemporary legs in protection alongside Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic.
Milan vs. Pisa: Projected lineups
Milan projected XI (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Leao, Gimenez.
Pisa projected XI (3-5-2): Semper; Caracciolo, Albiol, Canestrelli; Leris, Akinsanmiro, Aebischer, Marin, Angori; Moreo, Nzola.
