CorSera: Certainties, doubts and a low profile – how Allegri is approaching the Milan derby

The big day has finally arrived: Inter and AC Milan will contest the first derby of the season, and Massimiliano Allegri has prepared his troops.

As Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) reports, the fact that the derby comes after a two-week international break has only heightened the anticipation and adrenaline for one of the most important matches of the year.

This is even more so the case this year given the current outlook of the league table, and the script flipping last season. It will also mark Allegri’s return to the Milan derby and the debut of Inter coach Cristian Chivu. In short, as always, a match with a thousand sub-plots.

Low profile

As always when faced with these types of commitments, especially at this stage of the season, Allegri has chosen to keep a low profile, something that he has done since August.

The coach emphasised in yesterday’s press conference that it won’t be a decisive match, and once again stated that the table only starts to take shape from March onwards, with a top four spot being the club’s main objective.

For this reason, Allegri doesn’t talk about the Scudetto, revealing his belief that the favourites remain Inter and Napoli for the title. He’s keeping the door open for tonight though, reminding everyone that the game starts at 0-0.

Photos by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images and Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Certainties, a new pairing and a doubt

In this context, the Rossoneri team will have everything, starting with experience. The Luka Modric-Adrien Rabiot duo will once again be united in midfield, accompanied by Youssouf Fofana.

The Croatian has played countless games of this type, even if this will be his first Milan derby, and as he has done so far, he will be crucial with his enormous intelligence . Even more important, perhaps, is the recovery of Rabiot, who covers ground and wins duels with his size.

A lot of attention will be placed on the new attacking pair: for the first time, the Diavolo will play with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic up front, the designated starters since the start of preseason but both impacted by injuries.

The objective is to surprise a high and more static Nerazzurri defence with players full of speed and technical ability. The only doubt before the match concerns the left flank: Allegri, however, seems intent on trusting Davide Bartesaghi from the start, over Pervis Estupinan.