Milan’s new year starts the same way the previous one ended: in emergency. For tomorrow night’s match against Cagliari, Max recovers Rafael Leao, but it’s unclear how many minutes he has in his legs. Gabbia is back, but only on the bench, while the conditions of Pulisic, who trained separately until yesterday, and Pavlovic, who did not train today due to a fever, still need careful evaluation. Allegri said that in place of the Serbian defender, he tested both Odogu and Bartesaghi, as pointed out by Milan News.
Let’s go step by step: Maignan in goal, no doubts there. In defense, Tomori, De Winter, and one among Pavlovic, Bartesaghi, or Odogu. If number 33 is pushed back into the defensive line, Estupinan would return as starter on the flank. If the Serbian defender gives the go-ahead, Bartesaghi would play in his natural position; currently, this is the most likely option.
In midfield, no changes are expected except the return of Fofana, as Loftus-Cheek should be deployed in a more advanced role. Nkunku is out with an ankle problem, Fullkrug is ready only for the bench, and Pulisic is not at his best. Leao should start, but there’s no certainty about how many minutes he can play after a month out. Allegri will need skill and a bit of luck to find the right balance, deciding who starts and who comes on during the match.
AC Milan's possible lineup vs Cagliari:
Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek, Leao.
