Here we are, the day of Milan-Napoli has arrived.
The first real big match of the season for the Rossoneri will be played against the Italian champions at San Siro tonight, a very interesting test for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. After the shocking defeat in the league opener against Cremonese, Milan have put together four straight wins, including the Coppa Italia, all with clean sheets. Whether they win or lose, it will not yet be a decisive game, but it could steer the Devil’s season one way or the other.
Milan star Leao warming up
As La Gazzetta dello Sport recalled this morning, tonight also marks the return of Rafael Leao to the squad list. The Portuguese forward has been out since the season opener, when he scored against Bari in the Coppa Italia before immediately going off with a calf injury that he has only shaken off in recent days. Yesterday, in his press conference, Allegri confirmed the return of the No. 10:
“Rafa will be there, but after 45 days and only a couple of training sessions with the group.”
In other words, do not expect him to start. Leao will sit on the bench and will likely have about twenty minutes at the end, which could still prove decisive in what is expected to be a tight battle between two tactical managers.
Two doubts
In his pre-match press conference, Allegri spoke about the starting lineup in his usual way, saying he had “many doubts.” In reality, the Rossoneri eleven looks already set with only two positions still undecided, one in midfield and one in attack. In midfield the choice is between Youssouf Fofana, who started in Udine, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who started against Lecce. Allegri trusts both and a rotation between the two during the game is expected. In attack, Santi Gimenez’s spot might be challenged by Christopher Nkunku, who impressed in the Coppa Italia. Otherwise, Milan will rely on their usual back three, the quality and strength of Modric and Rabiot, and the speed of Christian Pulisic.
