Another chance for Santiago Gimenez, though the trust is not endless.
The Mexican is still searching for his first league goal, just like Ademola Lookman on the other side, whose starting spot tonight is uncertain. For the Atalanta player, the issue was the summer transfer talks and the failed move to Inter. For the Milan striker, it was the constant uncertainty of seeing new center-forwards linked with the club, none of whom eventually arrived under Allegri.
He has started seven of the first eight games but has often left the pitch amid grumbling. The penalty he won against Fiorentina remains his highest point of the season so far, along with another earned against Juventus.
Yet, Gimenez is valued within the team for his work rate, for stretching opposing defenses. That movement creates space between the attacking midfield and the box, where Leao finds more room to cut in and shoot, see his goals against Fiorentina and Pisa, even if the latter came from a cross-shot, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Ivan Juric relies on Isak Hien as a key and dependable figure in the heart of Verona’s defense. He will likely be the one to face Gimenez most directly. The Swede often steps forward to anticipate his opponent and dominates in the air, averaging almost nine defensive recoveries and clearances per match. Hien also pushes forward to start plays from the back, which could flip the dynamic and force Gimenez to track his marker. Hien rarely drifts far from his zone, even if Nkunku comes on.
