As Milan prepares for its fifth and closing showdown towards Inter this season, one query looms giant: which attacking star will lead them into battle when it issues most? With a Coppa Italia closing spot and maybe a lifeline to European qualification on the road, supervisor Sergio Conceicao faces his greatest choice dilemma but.
Among the many names swirling in pre-match discussions are Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix. But not all of them are anticipated to function within the beginning lineup of probably the most consequential Milan derby in years. Who these gamers are—and why—is on the coronary heart of a tactical riddle that can outline the Rossoneri’s season.
Milan’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg towards Inter, set to happen on Wednesday night at San Siro, comes at a important level of their marketing campaign. A 1-1 draw within the first leg left every thing to play for, however the stakes have grown even larger since.
With the Pink and blacks languishing in ninth place in Serie A and enduring their worst league season since 2014-15, hopes of European soccer subsequent season hinge completely on lifting the Coppa Italia. For supervisor Sergio Conceicao, this match is greater than only a native derby—it’s a referendum on his tenure.
The tactical setup
As per Milan Information, the anticipated formation is a 3-4-3, with Mike Maignan in objective, and a protection comprised of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Malick Thiaw—the latter changing Strahinja Pavlovic, who had featured in current video games. Wing-backs Alex Jimenez and Theo Hernandez will play barely deeper to counter Inter’s flank-heavy assault.
In midfield, Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders will likely be tasked with controlling the tempo. The frontline, nevertheless, stays probably the most intriguing space—not only for its firepower, however for what it reveals about Milan’s strategic intent.
Who begins and who sits?
Now comes the reply to the thriller: Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez should not anticipated to function from the beginning. As a substitute, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Tammy Abraham are set to steer the road. This trio gives the right mix of dynamism, creativity, and direct menace.
Pulisic’s resurgence underneath Conceicao has been a spotlight of the latter half of the season. The American winger’s power and incisive runs down the proper flank have been key in stretching defenses and creating house for his teammates.
Leao, all the time the San Siro outfit’s wildcard, stays a mercurial expertise. When he’s on, few defenders in Italy can reside together with his tempo and dribbling. Conceicao seems able to belief the Portuguese winger as soon as once more on the left, hoping he can recreate the spark he confirmed earlier this season.
However the true headline is the number of Tammy Abraham forward of Gimenez and Luka Jovic. Abraham has already scored twice towards Inter this season, and his physicality, hold-up play, and ending have clearly received over the Milan boss.
“The presence of Tammy Abraham, already two targets towards Inter this yr, rather than Luka Jovic,” was confirmed by Milan Information because the doubtless change within the beginning eleven.
Predicted Milan XI (3-4-3):Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao.
