The decision was made at the beginning of the season: the best lineup in the league, rotation in the Europa League. The reasoning is to be found on several fronts.
First of all, what owner Gerry Cardinale said last week holds true: Milan can already aim to win the Scudetto and, consequently, the league has absolute priority over all other competitions. And then there is the format of the Europa League itself, which allows them to face teams of generally lower quality than the Rossoneri squad.
Despite the two defeats in the first three matchdays of the League Phase, therefore, Ruben Amorim will give space tomorrow against Ferencvaros to those who have played less in this first part of the season, before returning to the ideal starting eleven on Sunday at Marassi against Genoa.
Milan's attack:
The department in which the most rotation is possible is the attack. Gonçalo Ramos, after the calf problem suffered on the eve of the trip to Bournemouth, has always started the subsequent matches. Assuming he will start against Genoa, it is logical to think that his turn to rest could come tomorrow.
Camarda is eager to replace him, having played very little in this first part of the season, making only one start in the match three weeks ago in Salzburg. It is clear that the atmosphere of San Siro, which he feels is his home, could be the best medicine to help him through a period that is certainly complicated in terms of playing time and delicate regarding the decisions about his immediate future, as per Corriere dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Behind him, Pulisic could also be given another rest, as he absolutely must be kept fully fit for the league. Cisse is a strong candidate to take his place and could also be deployed as a centre-forward.
The other player who is certain to be rested is Modric, for whom the strategy dictates that he cannot and must not start three matches in one week. After starting the derby and with another start expected at Marassi, it will be Jashari's turn tomorrow to replace him from the first minute. Musah will be alongside him.
After his outstanding performance in the derby, Diego Moreira could also have his playing time managed. Hutchinson will certainly play on the right, but the Belgian could also find a place on the left flank. Behind him, it is a battle between Bartesaghi and Estupiñan for a place in the starting lineup.
There is not much room, however, for consideration regarding the defensive line, which has been reduced to the bare minimum following the injuries to Gabbia and Tomori, the only real alternatives to the starting trio. De Winter will operate in the centre of defence alongside Pavlovic and, perhaps, Filippo Terracciano, who could be fielded to allow Gila to rest.
