AC Milan heads into their Coppa Italia second-round clash against Lecce with an altered lineup, most notably missing star USMNT winger Christian Pulisic from the starting eleven. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has chosen a strategic squad rotation, prioritizing player rest and freshness as the demanding Serie A season unfolds.
Why Isn’t Pulisic Starting?
Christian Pulisic was instrumental in Milan’s emphatic 3–0 Serie A victory over Udinese last Saturday, contributing two goals and an assist before playing 63 minutes. With only a few days elapsed since that intense outing, Allegri opted to rest Pulisic for this midweek cup tie to manage fatigue and minimize injury risk. This cautious approach also applies to veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who joins Pulisic on the bench.
Who Steps Up in Attack?
Filling the void upfront, Christopher Nkunku earns his first start for Milan following his summer transfer from Chelsea. He partners Santiago Gimenez in attack, tasked with maintaining Milan’s offensive threat. Alongside them, creative and midfield linchpins such as Adrien Rabiot and Ruben Loftus-Cheek feature in the starting XI, ensuring balance and quality despite the rotation.
Milan’s Lineup vs Lecce at San Siro:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Defense: Strahinja Pavlovic, Koni De Winter, Fikayo Tomori
- Midfield: Davide Bartesaghi, Adrien Rabiot, Samuele Ricci, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alexis Saelemaekers
- Attack: Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez
The bench includes key players ready to impact the game: Pulisic, Modric, Youssouf Fofana, and others.
Looking Ahead: Milan’s Coppa Italia Journey
Having opened their Coppa Italia campaign with a solid 2–0 win over Bari, Milan now aims to dispatch Lecce and advance. However, the path forward quickly intensifies as they face Lazio in the Round of 16—a heavyweight clash scheduled for early December.
Between now and then, Milan has crucial Serie A fixtures lined up against title rivals Napoli and Juventus. Allegri’s rotation here reflects a broader strategy to safeguard key assets for the grueling league schedule while still pursuing silverware.
What Fans Should Expect
While Pulisic’s absence as a starter may be disappointing to some, it signals Allegri’s careful management of squad resources. Fans can anticipate a competitive Milan side that blends emerging talents like Nkunku with seasoned performers. The tactical setup may emphasize defensive solidity and quick transitions to unsettle a motivated Lecce.
Ultimately, this match serves as an opportunity to witness Milan’s squad depth and the integration of new signings. Pulisic and Modric could still make important contributions off the bench, influencing the outcome as the Rossoneri look to progress in Italy’s prestigious cup competition.
In summary, Milan’s choice to sideline Pulisic in the Coppa Italia second round is a calculated move focused on player welfare and long-term success. As the team gears up to host Lecce at San Siro, supporters should expect a strong, well-balanced lineup eager to secure victory and keep the cup ambitions alive.
