Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan claimed a win at the Unipol Domus Arena in Cagliari at the end of a match with two distinct halves, a recurring theme that now seems to define teams coached by the Tuscan manager. Beyond the three points, there was also a smile for new signing Niclas Fullkrug, officially announced only yesterday and immediately thrown into action.
The former West Ham striker made his debut in the 69th minute, coming on for the match winner Rafael Leão. Despite a few inevitable technical inaccuracies, understandable for a player who has just arrived, Fullkrug immediately hinted at his qualities: grit, determination, and a physical presence that Milan’s attack has lacked for some time, likely since the departure of their last true number nine, Olivier Giroud, as pointed out by Milan Press.
His movements with his back to goal, his ability to shield the ball, and to help the team push up the pitch by linking play with teammates offered something new to a Milan side that, in recent seasons, has often been without a natural centre-forward. This aspect could prove valuable in Serie A, a league where, unlike the Premier League, strikers with similar physical traits are not so common. The question now arises naturally: if Fullkrug were to earn a starting role, what would be the ideal attacking partnership to bring out his strengths?
Leão’s pace and ability to drive down the flank are clearly decisive factors, which the German could enhance through his lay-offs, both in the air and on the ground. At the same time, it is hard to imagine a Milan without Christian Pulisic, currently the most consistent and influential player in Allegri’s squad, capable of roaming across the attacking line and operating around the striker.
Finding the right balance will not be simple, but the packed schedule between now and the end of the season will require rotation and different attacking solutions. Nkunku, for instance, could also benefit greatly from Fullkrug’s physicality, exploiting the spaces the German centre-forward creates with his movement.
The coach will therefore need to read the demands of each match alongside the form of his players. Against teams willing to play and leave space, quick attackers who excel one-on-one become essential, able to create numerical superiority. By contrast, against opponents who sit deep with a low defensive line, Fullkrug’s presence could prove decisive, both for his aerial contribution and for his ability to occupy and fill the penalty area.
Allegri watches and assesses: Milan have rediscovered an attacking reference point, now the task is to understand how to build the most effective attack around him.
