The long race to partner Christian Pulisic at the Stadium begins this morning, with training resuming at Milanello. The American has had a fantastic start to the season in terms of performance and is an untouchable starter. Santiago Gimenez, Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao will try over the next few days to convince Massimiliano Allegri to field them. And then there is the surprise option Loftus-Cheek, an “Allegri move” not to be underestimated.
First goal:
Among the Rossoneri forwards, the only one to have scored in the league is Pulisic, who has four goals. Gimenez, Nkunku and Leao have only scored in the Coppa Italia. They are eager to break the deadlock in the big match against Juventus. Not only to go into the international break in high spirits, but also to give new life to a season that started differently from what they hoped. Especially Rafa, who came off a brilliant preseason as a striker in a new role.
Santiago Gimenez ahead in Allegri's plans:
Allegri liked Gimenez’s display against Napoli because, even though he did not score, he fought hard to hold up the ball, help the team push forward and create space for teammates. Physically, he looks the sharpest right now, despite the missed chances in this early part of the season. He starts the week of training (with a double session today) ahead of his competitors, but Allegri’s impressions in the coming days could change that. Gimenez hopes not, because he wants to remain a starter, as he has been since Leao’s right calf injury on August 17 against Bari. In the six matches since then, the Mexican has always started, and he wants to do it again in his first game against Juventus.
Nkunku and Leao are hoping...
Nkunku is improving and Allegri considers him "a player of great quality, very good in managing moments." Compared to when he first arrived, his fitness has improved and he could start, as he did in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. Pairing him with Pulisic up front could mean a lack of height, but it depends on the kind of game Allegri wants to play. Of the three, Leao is furthest behind physically. He was out for 45 days and only returned to full training last Thursday. He is more likely to come on in the second half at the Stadium. Last night on Twitch, Rafa seemed in a great mood: he praised his friend Theo Hernandez, wore Milan shirts of Balotelli and Ronaldinho, and “asked” for Yamal’s. About the fans he said: "With the curva singing we all get an extra push. We want to achieve important things."
For Sunday there is also the surprise option, the classic Allegri move: Loftus-Cheek alongside Pulisic to catch Tudor off guard. The Englishman has already played as a trequartista (at Lecce) and as a striker (at Udine in the second half).
Fikayo Tomori's sprint for a spot in Allegri's plans
The defender is also trying to be available against Juve. He was at Milanello yesterday for therapy despite the rest day. Recovery is tough, but he is pushing for it.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
