Tare discusses Nkunku’s 72% role, Leao’s promise and Galeone’s passing

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has commented on the passing of Giovanni Galeone, Rafael Leao’s form and Santiago Gimenez’s absence.

Milan entertain Roma in a Sunday night six-pointer at San Siro, hoping to try and keep pace with the sides at the top of Serie A. Napoli dropped points in a 0-0 home draw with Como, while Inter won in the last minute away against Verona.

The Rossoneri know that they would go above the Giallorossi with a win, but that will be difficult given their opponents have conceded only four goals in their nine games so far this season, and currently have three more points.

Massimiliano Allegri has made two changes to the starting line-up from the team that drew with Atalanta. Christopher Nkunku comes in for the injured Santiago Gimenez, while Koni De Winter takes over from Fikayo Tomori who is not 100%.

The director’s comments

Tare spoke to DAZN before kick-off at San Siro and answered questions on a number of topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

How is Allegri doing after Galeone’s passing?

“It’s testing, we’re still talking about it. He had a very special relationship with him, he cared a lot about him, he felt he was part of the family. But that’s life, and you move on.”

Does this match still have the feel of a derby for you?

“I’ve won enough derbies, I won the one that mattered on May 26th in Rome, but now in this new adventure at Milan we must focus only on winning against a very strong opponent. With a win tonight, we’ll catch up with the top group in the table, and we must be very positive.”

Photos: Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images

Tonight, Nkunku joins Leao up front…

“Nkunku has played 72% of his career as a striker. He’s a somewhat unusual striker. He can do it well, even with his back to goal. This is his first time playing with Leao. In training, they showed they can work together, but we’ll see.

“Gimenez is having a tough time, but I’d like to say he has the full confidence of the club and especially the staff. His injury came at an unwelcome time, but we’re looking ahead. These things are part of the game.”

Allegri said in a press conference that getting inside Leao’s head is complicated. Did you understand anything about it?

“I think he’s a very good guy. From the outside, people have one idea, but from the inside, it’s a completely different story.

“We’ve talked a lot together this week; when he’s well, he’s a player who wins games on his own. I’m confident he’ll have a great game tonight because he even promised us that (laughs).”