Today the last Milan players on international duty return to Milanello, so the derby build-up starts. This is only matchday 12, so the result is not decisive. The match still marks an important checkpoint for Milan. A win brings an overtake. A draw keeps the two-point gap between first-placed Inter and second-placed Milan. A loss stretches the gap to five points.
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reports that Milan has delivered strong results against top sides in this league, while smaller opponents have caused more trouble. Max Allegri’s return has changed the team compared to last season. The process is not complete. The defense is now the team’s strength, the attack is not. Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku are still on zero league goals.
On Sunday night against Inter, Allegri plans to use a forward pair not seen yet in Serie A this season. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will start together for the first time. Injuries to both players disrupted the coach’s plan, so he never fielded the pair he sees as his main choice. Allegri believes they fit well together, so expectations are high.
