AC Milan’s attacking setup at the Dall’Ara will represent a genuine tactical innovation from Massimiliano Allegri. With the forward department limited by physical issues, the coach has to turn necessity into virtue: in place of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku will start, supported by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Christopher Nkunku:
After securing his place at Milan, the Frenchman will be the weapon used by the Livorno-born coach to trouble Bologna’s defence. His strengths are clearly technique and pace, but he is not a classic centre-forward who pushes the team up the pitch and battles inside the opponent’s penalty area. For that reason, he will need to stay sharp on the offside line and make the most of the balls delivered from wide areas, where the team’s structure will be far more defined. Christo, no fear: during the match, Niclas Füllkrug will also come on to do the dirty work.
The physical trequartista:
Playing behind number 18 will be Loftus-Cheek. Initially tipped to operate as a right-sided midfielder to compensate for the absence of Alexis Saelemaekers, Allegri instead chose to start Zachary Athekame in his natural role and push the Englishman beyond his usual flank. In the past, he has already delivered excellent results in this position thanks to his physicality, and much of Milan’s central attacking thrust will go through him. Bologna have often left space in that area, as relayed via Milan Press.
Tonight in Emilia will be tough. Vincenzo Italiano’s side have gone through a negative spell in Serie A, but they have recently rediscovered form in the Europa League and will have the backing of a raucous stadium, as is always the case in these fixtures. Taking control of the game? Forget about it. Allegri has the excuse of several players not fully fit, but he is not looking for alibis. The match must be approached as it was at the Sinigaglia against Como, and at the Olimpico against Roma. Max himself teaches us this lesson. You have to learn how to suffer.
