GdS: Allegri keeping reserves ‘on their toes’ – valuable minutes shared out in Verona win

Massimiliano Allegri was able to give some minutes to some of the less-used players during AC Milan’s win over Verona.

La Gazzetta dello Sport recall the final half-hour of the eventual 3-0 victory that objectively had little to offer, so Allegri used the opportunity to play just about everyone. It became useful to give some minutes to those who haven’t had many so far this season.

David Odogu came on for his first Serie A appearance, playing eight minutes, including injury time. Shortly before, it was the turn of Ardon Jashari, Zachary Athekame and Samuele Ricci: three others who play less and who can only benefit from new opportunities.

Different situations

However, they all have various other factors at play. Jashari recently returned from a compound fracture of his fibula, which kept him out for three months.

The Swiss came back against Lazio and in Riyadh against Napoli. On Sunday he came on, playing a good 20 minutes, a long pass, and a few good runs. The feeling is that he still needs a couple of weeks to get back into shape and gain confidence.

Odogu, on the other hand, is a 2006-born player with very little experience behind him: just three appearances for Wolfsburg’s senior side before landing at Milanello. Allegri is slowly introducing him, not believing he’s ready yet and doesn’t want to waste him.

Photos: Marco Luzzani + Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images

It’s another different story for Athekame. Igli Tare really likes him and wanted him strongly, but Allegri is using him sparingly. He hasn’t been very convincing so far, playing very little (just one start) and scoring a goal against Pisa, tying the game 2-2 in the final minute. A calf injury has also caused him to sit out.

Lastly there is Ricci, who has played the most so far and probably offers the most promise. He’s made 15 appearances so far, seven as a starter. Plus, he’s studying Modric, and that will certainly do him good.

Another fact: Allegri’s Milan are a goalscoring cooperative. With Nkunku’s two goals, there are now 12 different scorers for the Rossoneri in Serie A. Only Inter and Juventus have done better. This indicates that the squad is deep and everyone will be needed.

Max is waiting for the transfer window, especially in such a busy January, but is also ‘keeping everyone on their toes’. As long as Milan win by such a wide margin, it becomes a little easier to give everyone minutes.