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The game won’t take place for another week, but we have attempted to predict AC Milan’s starting XI that will face Bologna in the third round of Serie A.
The transfer window has come to an end and Max Allegri now knows which pieces he has to work with to finish the puzzle. Regardless of what we think of the mercato, it will now be up to the manager to create a team with the players at his disposal.
The biggest boost hasn’t arrived from the mercato, though, as the manager is eagerly awaiting the return of Rafael Leao. Per the latest reports, it’s definitely possible for him to be back in time for the Bologna clash, but whether he will start or not is a different question.
How the XI could look
So, what about the starting XI for next week? Considering that a few players are out in international duty, such as the new signing Adrien Rabiot, it’s slightly easier to predict Allegri’s moves. It would be very surprising to see the French midfielder from start, for example.
The late arrivals are set to be Pervis Estupinan, Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic. That being said, they can probably be back at Milanello already on Thursday, which would still give them enough time to prepare for the game.
Milan also don’t have a lot of options as far as the left-back and striker roles are concerned, especially if Leao isn’t 100% ready to start. The biggest question is whether Allegri will continue with the 3-5-2 or switch to a slightly more attacking-minded 3-4-2-1.
The new signing Christopher Nkunku has impressed in training and the fact he wasn’t called up for France was a boost for Milan. Therefore, a starting spot doesn’t seem unlikely for him, but it hinges on Allegri switching formations and Leao’s condition.
Predicted Milan XI (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Estupinan; Pulisic, Gimenez, Nkunku/Leao.
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