The international break is over, Serie A returns, and Milan are preparing to face Stefano Pioli’s Fiorentina. Despite a difficult start to the season, 'la Viola' remain a dangerous opponent, ready to test the Rossoneri in a match that will be anything but easy.
The international fixtures have taken their toll on Milan. Max Allegri will have to deal with several key absences. Pulisic, Rabiot, and Estupiñán are out, while Saelemaekers, who returned at the last minute, is unlikely to last the full ninety minutes. Options in attack are limited, with Leão and Giménez expected to start, but the biggest questions lie in midfield, as pointed out by Milan Press.
Among those pushing for a starting place is Samuele Ricci, now close to earning a spot in the lineup.
After spending the start of the season behind Modric and Rabiot, two regulars in Allegri’s setup, the 2001-born former Torino player seems ready for his opportunity. Each time he has been called upon, he has delivered, showing personality and energy. A few weeks ago, Allegri himself noted that Ricci was also improving physically.
Now, with Loftus-Cheek leaning toward a more advanced role and Jashari still sidelined, the door could open for Ricci to start in midfield alongside Modric, Fofana, and possibly Loftus in a higher position.
The match against Fiorentina could mark a turning point in Ricci’s season. The young midfielder has all the tools to climb the pecking order, energy, vision, and the ability to contribute in both phases of play. A modern, pure box-to-box profile that Allegri must bring out. For Ricci, tomorrow night might be the match that confirms his place.
