13 hours ago
22
Massimiliano Allegri and Stefano Pioli will shake hands again tonight as AC Milan welcome Fiorentina to San Siro.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via AllMilan) speaks of ‘a duel within a battle’, as their preview piece on Milan-Fiorentina has the headline: ‘Duel between problems and praise’. The title perfectly captures the current state of the two coaches.
Allegri’s side have responded after their shock round one defeat to Cremonese and can go top with a win tonight. Pioli has the opportunity to surprise again, leading his Fiorentina into battle against a top side while seeking a first win.
San Siro awaits
In the pre-match press conference, Allegri was generous with his compliments: “Pioli has done a great job in recent years, and Fiorentina is growing a lot. The credit goes entirely to him.” A sincere acknowledgement that speaks to the respect between two coaches, who have both won silverware.
On the field, eyes will also be on two key players: Rafael Leao and Moise Kean, two forwards expected to make the difference. Leao is Milan’s big weapon (especially with all the injuries) with his speed and unpredictability, while Kean has the desire to upstage his friend and pursue the Capocannoniere.
It’s more than just a match tonight: every move, every tactical choice and every substitution will be watched by the two coaches. Allegri will seek to lead Milan with confidence, while Pioli will try to stun his old club with ideas and courage, transforming things into a true strategic battlefield.
Beyond tactics, this duel could shape the season for both teams. A victory could boost confidence and momentum, while a defeat could force a rethink of plans and ambitions. It’s a clash between two minds who know how to read the game and turn it into a decisive moment.
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