CM: From first to fourth – why Gimenez could quickly slip down the hierarchy

Santiago Gimenez is heading for yet another start against Atalanta, but Massimiliano Allegri might soon run out of patience.

According to Calciomercato.com, Allegri is obviously going to select Rafael Leao to start up front in Bergamo, given he has three goals in his last two league games. Despite speculation about Christopher Nkunku starting, Gimenez should get the nod alongside him.

The Mexican is still without a league goal, but Allegri shed a bit of light in his pre-match press conference on what else he sees from the only striker in the squad.

“Tomorrow [tonight] everything can change in an instant. Santiago is doing well, he works hard for the team. It’s not like he comes on and does well against Fiorentina and then has to play,” he said.

“Then against Pisa he doesn’t have a good game and then he has to be left out. You’re either good or you’re not good. Gimenez is a good player, he’s always scored goals and he will do them against Milan too.”

Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Change imminent?

The AC Milan manager is making it primarily a question of fitness, as Nkunku – who missed a chance off the bench against Pisa on Friday night – is coming off a ten-day absence following international duty due to a stubbed toe.

Allegri said: “He’s improving his condition, he was out for quite a few days with the toe problem. We expect a lot from him, he has extraordinary technique . If the same players play, they’ll know each other better and maybe we’ll play better.”

Gimenez and Leao will start up front together at the New Balance Arena, but in addition to Nkunku getting back to 100%, Christian Pulisic’s return could flip the hierarchies. The Serie A Player of the Month for September is expected back against Parma on November 8th.

The American is expected to start from the bench in that game, but a reshuffling of the options up front is possible. Allegri has always envisioned Plan A to be two quick, technical and athletically talented players to surprise opposing defences.

Gimenez, against Atalanta and Roma, could have his last chance(s) to justify manager’s unwavering faith. Otherwise, he could find himself going from the number one attacking choice to being the fourth, with the January window looming too.