6 hours ago
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For a match like the Milan derby, coaches always want to be able to field their ideal starting line-up. Massimiliano Allegri should be able to do that, for the first time this season.
As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews) report this morning, Milan can – on paper – field the starting XI that was planned from when the summer window closed. Over the past month, numerous injuries have affected Allegri’s plans, and today he welcomes back a key man: Adrien Rabiot.
A big race for the wild horse
The best news of the week for Allegri came on Tuesday: as training resumed at the Milanello Sports Center, the Rossoneri coach welcomed Rabiot back to training with the group, effectively making himself available for tonight’s match.
The coach didn’t hesitate, and yesterday in his press conference he confirmed a secret that everyone already knew: Rabiot will play. With the French midfielder, the Rossoneri have rediscovered quality in midfield, but also experience and physicality. His contribution in both phases is vital, and the stats show it.
Rabiot will complete a midfield already featuring the timeless Luka Modric – playing in his first Milan derby – and Youssouf Fofana, who was encouraged yesterday by Allegri’s words after some subpar performances.
For the first time since Milan vs. Bari in the Coppa Italia, the Rossoneri will take to the field with the Leao-Pulisic pairing up front. In the August match, they lasted 17 minutes together due to the Portuguese’s injury, and they haven’t started together since. Until tonight.
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