After their derby victory against Inter, Milan is looking ahead with confidence to what will be another tough challenge. On Sunday evening, the Rossoneri will face Maurizio Sarri's Lazio at the Olimpico Stadium. There will be pressure on Massimiliano Allegri's squad, who will play knowing Inter’s result. It will be a matter of responding to avoid losing more ground, or seizing the opportunity to get even closer. In Rome, Allegri will have to do without Adrien Rabiot.
This morning, Corriere dello Sport analyzes what will be a significant absence for Allegri. The French midfielder is crucial for the team’s midfield dynamics, and without him, the Rossoneri slow down. So far, Rabiot has been available for 24 out of Milan’s 33 matches this season, starting 23 times and coming on as a substitute only once. Another detail: he has always played the full 90 minutes without being substituted. After Maignan, who is a goalkeeper, he is undoubtedly the only Milan player considered truly irreplaceable.
Allegri will have to find solutions, with a competition for the spot usually occupied by the Frenchman. At the moment, Ricci and Jashari are the candidates. The chances are fairly balanced, with the Italian slightly favored: the former Torino player is more accustomed to Italian pitches, has already faced Sarri’s midfield movements multiple times, and is considered reliable in that role, whereas the Swiss player is seen more as a deputy for Modric than as a box-to-box midfielder.
Over the past two months, the ex-Toro has often been in contention for a starting spot, but since February, he has started only once, in the draw at San Siro against Como. Jashari has had a similar experience, although compared to his teammate, he had over 70 minutes against Parma after Loftus-Cheek’s injury, but fewer appearances as a substitute overall. Between today’s and tomorrow’s training sessions, Allegri will resolve this dilemma, as relayed via Milan News.
It’s certainly an important absence, but Milan as a whole is improving, and every player must show they are Milan-quality and ready to be called upon at any moment. Sunday will be a tough challenge, but one the Rossoneri must face like the Rossoneri.
