Tomorrow night will be Massimiliano Allegri’s first appearance of the season in the Coppa Italia, even though Milan have already played three matches in the competition. In the previous two rounds, when the team beat Bari first and then Lecce, the ex Juventus boss was still serving a two-match suspension imposed after the 2024 final, which he won on Juventus’ bench against Atalanta. Tomorrow he will sit on the bench at the Olimpico against Lazio and he must make key choices.
As reported by today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, and as everyone can see, Milan will not rotate much. The squad is already thin and two players are out, Gimenez and Athekame. One positive note is Christian Pulisic, who is moving toward a return. This morning’s training session will show if the American at least makes the bench. The plan is to give him a few minutes at the end so he builds rhythm ahead of the tough league match against Torino. This already gives the first clue for tomorrow, the attack stays the same with Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku leading the frontline.
Modric rests...
Rafa Leao will not rest and neither will Adrien Rabiot, who is essential for Allegri’s structure. The coach never leaves him out. Another player Allegri trusts is Saelemaekers, who will also start, helped by the lack of alternatives. The Coppa Italia will instead offer a chance to rest Luka Modric. The Croatian star stayed on the bench only once this season, against Bari, and once more in the Coppa Italia against Lecce. He needs a breather. Fofana might also start on the bench, with Loftus-Cheek taking his role. In midfield, Ricci should start, with the option of Jashari entering later. On the left flank Estupinan is expected to return, also because Bartesaghi has played 90 minutes in four straight matches including the Under-21 game. In defence, De Winter is set to start, the question is which of the three regular starters will make way for him.
