GdS: Three forwards with clear goals as Allegri and Milan suddenly have depth

After two games with a lack of depth in attack, AC Milan and Max Allegri should face Bologna with four players for two roles, three of which have very clear goals. 

As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo at the bottom), Milan’s attack has an evident potential that is yet to be exploited. Rafael Leao is recovering from an injury, Santiago Gimenez needs confidence and Christopher Nkunku arrived late this summer.

Now, however, all three of them are ready to get going and the international break was well-timed in that sense. Indeed, while many are waiting for Leao’s recovery, the winger will be joined Nkunku and hopefully a revived Gimenez against Bologna.

Leao optimistic about return

Leao has been working individually at Milanello since the injury, following his recovery plan perfectly so far. However, whether it will be enough to secure a starting spot against Bologna is hard to say, as he first must return to training with the entire group.

If that were to happen on Tuesday, when training will resume, then he should be fit enough to play from the first minute. If the return is delayed, however, then we are probably looking at the bench to begin with. Nevertheless, the player is confident that he can do it.

Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

Once again, as the newspaper continues, Leao has done very well with his recovery so far and he’s clearly keen on getting back as soon as possible. The new role, playing as a No.9 of sorts, is just as intriguing for the fans as it is for the player clearly.

Nkunku surprises Allegri

Another player who’s looking to get back into top condition is Nkunku. Although he has a history of injuries, they are not to blame this time out. Instead, the pre-season preparations were not ideal: first the Club World Cup, playing 289 minutes, and then a separate pre-season for Chelsea players close to being sold.

With a reduced intensity and without featuring in the Premier League, the Frenchman arrived in suboptimal condition compared to his new teammates. That being said, Allegri has been very impressed with his speed and thinks he could be very useful this season.

Against Bologna, he should be used as a substitute rather than as a starter, perhaps depending on Leao’s recovery, but Milan fans will see a lot of him regardless.

Gimenez wants confidence

Finally, Gimenez is in good physical condition but mentally, he could certainly use a boost. Milan attempted to swap him for Roma’s Artem Dovbyk in the final days of the mercato, but the Mexican stayed put in the end after rejecting a move.

Despite all of this, the striker has managed to find balance on and off the pitch. On it, he missed a big chance against Leccce, but also scored and celebrated a goal that was later disallowed for a very narrow offside.

Off the pitch, he has always said that he wants to prove himself at Milan regardless of any squad competition. He only joined six months ago as well, fulfilling a childhood dream, so it simply wasn’t time to say goodbye already.