CorSport: Allegri finally able to field Milan ‘as they were designed’ in derby vs. Inter

In the early part of the season, Massimiliano Allegri has rarely been able to field what he would consider to be his first-choice line-up.

As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress) report this morning, Milan could have a very high ceiling, but a number of injuries have not allowed Allegri to deploy his true vision for the team. Yet, without European competition, the idea of ​​keeping a small squad seemed justified in the club’s eyes.

With Adrien Rabiot expected back in full training from Tuesday and Santiago Gimenez potentially recovering for Sunday’s derby against Inter, it will soon be time to see Milan ‘just as they were designed this summer’.

Key absences

Some of the most influential players are also among those who have spent the least time on the pitch. Christian Pulisic – Serie A’s third-highest scorer – has played just 344 minutes, despite scoring four goals in seven games.

Rabiot has played 360 minutes across four appearances, in which Milan have collected a Scudetto-worthy average of 10 points from 12 available, missing out only on a victory against Juventus. Of the three, the most used is Rafael Leao, with 451 minutes in seven games and the same number of goals as Pulisic.

Photos: Giuseppe Cottini + Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

It’s crazy to think that these three – despite being the most impactful in terms of numbers and mentality – are among the least used by the coach, precisely because of their physical issues since the start of the season.

Behind them in the ranking of Milan’s least used players are David Odogu, Ardon Jashari, Zachary Athekame, Christopher Nkunku and Koni De Winter. The derby can and must be the great opportunity to see the best players all together, and perhaps cultivate the title dream.