Allegri picks Füllkrug and Nkunku for the Napoli clash: the reasons behind the decision
AC Milan are set to take the field tonight at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to face Napoli in one of the most eagerly anticipated head-to-head clashes of this final stretch of the 2025/2026 Serie A season. The Rossoneri arrived in Naples yesterday evening around 8 PM and completed their morning wake-up session at the team hotel this morning.
The big news of the day centres on the starting lineup: Massimiliano Allegri stunned everyone by testing the pairing of Niclas Füllkrug and Christopher Nkunku from the first whistle during yesterday’s final training session at Milanello. A bold choice that leaves two stars — Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic — on the bench.
Why Leão and Pulisic start from the bench
The Livorno-born manager’s decision is far from random. During the two-week international break, Füllkrug and Nkunku were the only forwards working consistently at Milanello, completing around 15 days of focused preparation. Allegri was able to fine-tune tactical setups with this duo, building chemistry that could prove to be Milan’s secret weapon at the Maradona.
The German striker and the Frenchman form an unusual yet highly complementary partnership: Füllkrug’s physicality and aerial prowess pair neatly with Nkunku’s pace and technical ability to drift between the lines and create overloads.
On the other hand, Pulisic endured a long intercontinental journey back from United States national team duty and is not yet at full fitness. Leão, while improving compared to recent days, does not appear to be at peak condition either. Both will be available from the bench, however, and represent two game-changing options for the second half, when Napoli’s energy levels may dip.
Allegri’s 3-5-2: the probable AC Milan lineup
In yesterday’s tactical drills, Milan lined up in a 3-5-2 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
- Back three: Fikayo Tomori, De Winter, Strahinja Pavlović
- Midfield five: Davide Calabria, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot, Davide Bartesaghi
- Strikers: Niclas Füllkrug and Christopher Nkunku
Three high-quality attacking options will sit on the bench: Santiago Gimenez, Leão and Pulisic. The Mexican forward trained well during the break and was in contention for a starting spot until the very last moment. Gimenez, the only out-and-out box striker alongside Füllkrug, could be called upon in the second half to add further firepower to the Rossoneri’s attack.
Rossoneri fans show their support despite travel ban
It should be noted that the trip to the Maradona has been banned for residents of Lombardy, a decision that deprives Milan of the bulk of their organised support. The stadium will be sold out, with an overwhelming majority of Neapolitan fans.
Despite the ban, Milan’s organised supporter groups, along with numerous Milan Clubs and families, gathered at Milanello on Saturday to rally the squad ahead of the match. A touching show of solidarity that the players will have appreciated and that can make a real difference in terms of motivation.
Milan must win to secure Champions League qualification
As Allegri himself has stressed, several more victories are needed to lock down a Champions League berth — the stated goal since the start of the campaign. Beating Antonio Conte‘s Napoli would not only keep a direct rival at arm’s length but also send a powerful statement to the rest of the league. Milan have everything it takes to claim a great result tonight: all that is needed is courage, tactical intelligence and the determination of a club that belongs among Europe’s elite.
