Not even enough time to enjoy the fine win away at Udinese, Milan must get straight back on the pitch, this time in the Coppa Italia. Tomorrow at 21:00 at San Siro the Rossoneri face Lecce in the round of 32.
"The Coppa Italia is one of the three seasonal objectives," Massimiliano Allegri had said on August 16 on the eve of the match against Bari. The strongest possible lineup will be used, but there will be some rotation to rest those who have played the most and to give chances to those with fewer minutes so far.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports this morning that tomorrow could be the first start for several new signings. Among them is Christopher Nkunku, expected to start in attack alongside Santiago Gimenez. Both are still looking for their first goal of the season. Christian Pulisic, fresh from his brace in Udine, will be rested. Luka Modric is also certain to start on the bench, while Mike Maignan returns in goal. Rafael Leao remains out, targeting a comeback next Sunday against Napoli in the league.
In defense, Koni De Winter is expected to start, giving Strahinja Pavlovic a rest. There will also be changes on the flanks, with at least one of Zachary Athekame or Davide Bartesaghi set to play. With Modric starting on the bench, Milan’s playmaker in midfield will be Samuele Ricci. Next to him will be Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is set to replace either Fofana or Rabiot, with the latter more likely to sit out. As against Bari and Udinese, Allegri will not be on the bench due to suspension, with his assistant Marco Landucci taking charge.
