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AC Milan will take on Cremonese tonight and three AC Milan players, in particular, will have to show Max Allegri that they deserve to play from start.
The comfortable 2-0 win against Bari in the Coppa Italia preliminaries was a warm-up of sorts, but now Milan truly need to get their game face on. Cremonese are up in the first round of Serie A tonight and as highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), three players will have to impress.
Gimenez to build on good form
While Victor Boniface was undergoing the first part of his medical yesterday, Santiago Gimenez was at Milanello to prepare for tonight’s clash. Although the Nigerian might not be the striker addition in the end, one will be signed eventually to complete the attack.
Gimenez, as such, will have to show that he deserves to be in the team. He has even responded to the transfer rumours on his social media: “The only truth is that tomorrow the Serie A starts!!! And it’s going to be an incredible season!! Andiamoooooo Forza Milan!!! 🔥💪🏼❤️”
Indeed, tonight’s clash is a golden opportunity and Santi has also received encouragement from Massimiliano Allegri: “I’m very happy with how Gimenez is performing, I hope he can hold his own physically for the entire match.”
The Mexican returned to Milanello only in early August, after his international commitments in the Gold Cup. He may not be at his best yet, but between his goal in the friendly against Leeds and his assist for Pulisic’s 2-0 win against Bari in the Coppa Italia, the first signs have been promising.
Midfield duo with new roles
Although all eyes will be on Luka Modric tonight, Allegri also expects a lot from the other two midfielders: “Loftus-Cheek and Fofana will have to score at least 15 goals between them. It’s a goal that I have set and one I’m committed to.”
The Englishman, after a less-than-stellar season (29 competitive matches and zero goals), has looked reborn since Allegri’s arrival. So far, however, it’s only been the pre-season and tonight comes the first (real) test.
The midfielder is used to a rollercoaster ride, especially due to his fluctuating physical condition, but he has reached double figures in two seasons: at Chelsea in 2018-19 (10 goals) and at AC Milan in 2023-24 (also 10).
Fofana, on the other hand, has a new tactical role after being used primarily as a holding midfielder under Fonseca first and then Conceicao. With the Livorno coach, he will have more freedom as a midfielder, and his seven shots on goal against Bari in the Coppa Italia are more than just a start.
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