The last time was a major disappointment, a draw at home against Juventus on October 5: Rabiot’s last match against Milan ended 0-0, leaving frustration over the number (and quality: Leao missing alone in front of goal…) of chances created. In the three previous games with Adrien on the field, the results had always been wins: six goals scored and only one conceded, from a penalty against Napoli. The numbers show it (as for Allegri, football is also mathematics) and the numbers make the table: with Rabiot on the pitch, Milan is a different team.
Adrien Rabiot crucial for allegri:
This is why Max wants him back immediately, starting in the derby. Adrien has been working tirelessly at Milanello: even yesterday, during the last of the three days off granted to the team, he trained on his personalized program. That program was completed yesterday, and from this afternoon, Rabiot is expected to rejoin the group. This is significant: Adrien injured his calf with the French national team in mid-October and had since only observed others training, doing individual sessions. His form is not yet optimal, and the week will also be used to build intensity. There is enough time to regain rhythm and sharpness, and the doubt about his starting presence is essentially resolved, as pointed out by La Gazzetta dello Sport. If caution prevails, Ricci and Loftus-Cheek are alternatives for midfield. They are ready, even as options to replace Fofana, who has declined in recent matches.
Who plays on AC Milan's left flank against Inter?
Estupinan started in Parma, but despite the availability, he was not called up in Ecuador’s last squad. The interactions between club and national team have paid off: work at Milanello restored form and confidence, neither was visible in his last league performance. Bartesaghi will be engaged with the Under-21s during the day: convincing when called upon, he would play his first derby as a starter at nineteen. Estupinan would also debut, but at 27, with 91 La Liga appearances and 84 Premier League games, he has more experience.
Is Santiago Gimenez ready to start from the first minute?
Santiago Gimenez’s status will be clarified during the week after his ankle injury. Milanello has stayed open to fully recover him, and Allegri expects him for the derby, along with Jashari. Not at peak condition, but both are ready to contribute when called upon.
