GdS: Not just prize money – why a Supercoppa triumph could be a big boost for Milan

Tomorrow, AC Milan will begin their quest to retain the Supercoppa Italiana, which they won less than 12 months ago against Inter. A fate which may await them again.

Looking too far into the future is a threat in itself, and one that Massimiliano Allegri is always keen to avoid. The Italian has regularly enforced the mindset that the next game is always the most important to win.

So, the Rossoneri start with Napoli, even if their target is to go past them and face one of Bologna or Inter.

The bigs then the smalls

Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write that this is a big game for several reasons, and the prize money is not the only one. Of course, ahead of the January mercato, a financial boost would not be turned down. However, there are bigger fish to fry.

He must balance the midfield, which has looked a little leggy recently. Luka Modric probably needs a break, whilst Adrien Rabiot suffered a small knock at the weekend and never looked too comfortable after.

However, the big focus will be on Christopher Nkunku, who may already be on his final chance. If the Frenchman impresses, he can return from Saudi Arabia with the knowledge that he has another striker to call upon.

Winning the trophy would also be a big boost for the Scudetto. It sends a message to the league, and the welcoming party of fixtures after the cup is quite nice on paper. Allegri’s team continue to stumble in these games.

So, the next month or two could be make or break for their Scudetto hopes. If they can get past the big teams and continue past the small ones, who knows?