CorSera: ‘The pair he envisioned together’ – Allegri to rely on ‘new’ attacking duo vs. Inter

The full preparations for the derby begin at Milanello today, with the last of the international players returning to training.

As Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) write this morning, the derby operation can officially begin today. It’s only round 12 of the season, so it can’t be deemed a ‘decisive’ game, but for Milan it is still a match that represents an important turning point.

A victory would be enough to overtake Inter, a draw would keep the current two-point gap between the Nerazzurri at the top of the table and the Rossoneri in third, while a defeat would widen the gap to five points.

No derby dilemmas

Milan are doing very well against the big teams this season, while they are struggling a bit more against the ‘lesser’ sides. Allegri’s return to the bench has transformed Milan compared to last season, though obviously the “allegrizzazione” process isn’t yet complete.

While the defence has become the Rossoneri’s strong point – especially in the so-called ‘direct’ clashes against rivals for the European spot – the modest contribution from the attack is a bit of a concern. Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku are still on zero goals in the league, for example.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

On Sunday evening against Inter, Allegri will rely on a new attacking duo, at least in Serie A: Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. The duo will start together for the first time this season in the league, having been the chosen pairing from preseason.

First the Portuguese’s injury and then the American’s have disrupted the coach’s plans, as he has never been able to field ‘the pair he envisioned together’ in the starting XI from minute one. Max is confident they can integrate very well, and that’s why expectations are very high.