Massimiliano Allegri is the common denominator in a peculiar web linking Rafael Leão, Moise Kean and Dušan Vlahović, three forwards the Livorno-born coach has either shaped or would like to lead at Milan. At present, the core of the Rossoneri project is the tactical transformation of Leão into a modern centre-forward within a 3-5-2 system. Despite some adaptation difficulties and a few physical setbacks, the Portuguese attacker is delivering in numbers, scoring seven goals in 12 matches, including three decisive “poacher’s” finishes against Lazio, Cagliari and Genoa that earned a total of seven points, as relayed via Tuttosport in this morning's print edition.
Although Allegri initially envisioned a 4-3-3 with Leão operating wide, the lack of alternatives and injuries, such as Gimenez’s, have made the Portuguese forward an undisputed starter alongside Pulisic, while waiting for Füllkrug to fully settle into the system. However, the coach’s and the club’s gaze remains fixed on the future and on profiles already coached and highly regarded in the past. Dušan Vlahović remains the main target for the summer, helped by a contract nearing its expiry, which makes the Rossoneri option very concrete despite international competition.
At the same time, interest in Moise Kean remains alive. He was already sounded out before Füllkrug’s arrival, and although Fiorentina blocked any January move and his release clause has risen to €62 million, a possible overhaul of the Viola squad at the end of the season could reopen the race, allowing Kean to reunite in Milan with his friend Leão.
While waiting for market developments that could see Füllkrug confirmed as a deputy option and Gimenez depart, tomorrow’s clash at the Franchi will pit Leão and Kean against each other in a duel that feels like a dress rehearsal for the future attack dreamed of by Allegri, the true director of this intricate “dance of the number nines.”
