CorSera: The ‘stellar’ and the ‘solid’ – Milan building from a strong base under Allegri

There is a lot of attention on AC Milan’s attack early in the season, but that might actually be good news for two other departments.

While the newspapers and pundits continue to debate who should start up front when everyone is fit, and in what formation, there has not been much said about the back two areas of the pitch. As is usually the case, this is a good thing.

Building from a solid base

Today’s edition of Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) succinctly summarises what Massimiliano Allegri has already managed to build: ‘A stellar midfield and a solid defence’.

There are some issues for the coach to battle ahead of Saturday night’s game, such as the absences of Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan, plus the confidence crisis of Santiago Gimenez. However, it is like he doesn’t have to worry any more about the rearguard.

The quality midfield built by the Rossoneri allows star-studded cohort that can offer a change of pace to any game. Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot have raised the bar at the heart of the game, bringing class and leadership.

Photos by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Samuele Ricci, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana are vying for the other spot in the trio and each bring something a bit different. Moreover, Ardon Jashari is recovering from injury and when he is back the expectation is that the Swiss will fight for a starting role.

With the three-man defence of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia (who should be captain tonight) and Strahinja Pavlovic, the coach also seems to have found a defensive alchemy that has posted some of the best numbers in Europe so far.

After two consecutive victories against Lecce and Bologna, this evening in Udine the Rossoneri are looking for a hat-trick that would bring energy and enthusiasm ahead of a double test against Napoli and Juventus.