After opening the new year with an away victory, a 0–1 win over Cagliari thanks to a goal from Rafael Leao, Milan return to San Siro for the first time in 2026. On Thursday evening at 8.45 pm, Massimiliano Allegri’s side will host Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa on matchday nineteen of the Serie A Enilive season. And compared to their last home appearance in 2025, the Rossoneri will take to the pitch with an extra option, Niclas Fullkrug.
What does this bring in concrete terms?
If there is one negative aspect to this first part of Milan’s season, it is without doubt the constant injury problems, almost on a weekly basis, which have hit Massimiliano Allegri’s squad and effectively prevented him from finding continuity in his starting line-ups. The attacking department has been the most affected. Rafael Leao missed the opening month and the entire month of December. Christian Pulisic has lost many minutes along the way. Santi Gimenez has been out since the end of October and will remain sidelined at least until February. Christopher Nkunku is now injured as well and, after missing the match against Cagliari, is also a doubt for the game against Genoa. In short, Fullkrug was clearly needed to add depth to the department and avoid forcing Max to adapt Loftus-Cheek or, even worse, as has happened in other situations, Saelemaekers or Ricci.
The real reason why Niclas Fullkrug will be a positive reinforcement for the Rossoneri lies in his characteristics.
Milan have signed an experienced, powerful striker, almost one metre ninety tall. Even in his very first appearance for the club, the German centre-forward showed his qualities in holding up the ball, winning aerial duels, and linking play. What was seen in Cagliari is exactly what Milan need from Fullkrug. If Leao and Pulisic are fit, something that has never truly happened at the same time and which everyone hopes for, the former West Ham striker’s role will be to come on in the final 20 to 25 minutes to keep the team high up the pitch when already in front, or to fill the penalty area when the Rossoneri are chasing a winning goal. His condition looked good, even though time will certainly be needed to see Fullkrug perform at optimal levels, with the hope that he too avoids injuries or physical problems. This was relayed via Milan News.
