GdS: ‘Cup devils’ – why Allegri is opting for limited rotation against Lecce

Massimiliano Allegri does not want any lapses in concentration as AC Milan take on Lecce, but the fixture list will ‘force’ some changes.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, for a Milan side currently out of European competition, the Coppa Italia is a genuine target. It’s not as important as a fourth-place finish in the league (or better), which guarantees a return to the Champions League in 2026-27, but a chance for a trophy nonetheless.

The word ‘Scudetto’ shouldn’t be mentioned at Milanello for now, and the Supercoppa Italia – scheduled for December in Riyadh – feels like a bit of a lottery. It’s therefore best not to waste the chance to lift the cup in the final in Rome on May 13th by losing in the round of 32.

League leaders Napoli arrive at San Siro on Sunday, but Allegri isn’t too focused on that and certainly doesn’t intend to field a second-string team. He wants to advance to the next round and face Lazio in the round of 16. That’s why he’s fully focused.

Cautious rotation

Luka Modric will be rested, taking a breather ahead of Sunday’s match against Napoli with Samuele Ricci coming in. Christian Pulisic will also start on the bench, and up front there will be room for Christopher Nkunku, making his debut as a starter. Santiago Gimenez keeps his spot too.

This morning, the team will have its final session at Milanello, where the players will practice set pieces and penalties. Allegri will resolve the doubt between Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana. In defence, Matteo Gabbia may sit out, with Koni De Winter taking his place.

And the goalkeeper? After yesterday’s training session, Mike Maignan’s return to the starting lineup is not a given. Instead, Pietro Terracciano is likely to remain between the posts, with Maignan back in goal on Sunday.

Rafael Leao will also be back against Napoli (perhaps), but will be in the stands tonight. In any case, after a 40-day layoff, it’s unlikely he’ll start against the Italian champions. Back to the Coppa Italia: Pervis Estupinian will also be rested tonight, replaced by Davide Bartesaghi.

Keeping levels high

Allegri sees it as a question of mentality, because winning helps you win and strengthens your confidence. He knows that preparing for the match against the Azzurri would be easier if they reached the Coppa Italia round of 16.

The prospect of securing a fourth consecutive victory excites him, as he alluded to in his pre-match interview: “For the boys, arriving in Rome in May is always great because the final is a wonderful evening.

“To achieve that, however, we have to go through a process that started much earlier this year. We need to have the right approach and great respect for Lecce, who play well and will have zero pressure against us. Let’s forget about the league win at the start of the season.”

Allegri will serve the second of his two-game suspension in the Coppa Italia and will give ‘head coach’ duties to Landucci again. Max has already lifted the cup five times, but he’s still hungry. His players must take a leaf out of his book.