Milan in Reggio Emilia: Allegri reshuffles the attack, Nkunku starts alongside Leão
AC Milan are preparing to face Sassuolo in Reggio Emilia in what is effectively a must-not-lose fixture. With Champions League qualification remaining the primary objective of this final stretch of the season, the Rossoneri take to the pitch knowing that every single point matters. Massimiliano Allegri has decided to intervene on the attacking setup, reshuffling his cards compared to recent outings.
The end of the Leão–Pulisic partnership: the attack changes
In recent weeks, the tandem of Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic has not convinced. The Rossoneri attack has suffered from a worrying lack of cutting edge: few shots on target, little fluency in combinations and disappointing results. For this reason, Allegri has decided to act decisively, bringing in Christopher Nkunku in the role of second striker alongside the Portuguese forward.
The Frenchman, gifted with excellent technique and the ability to make forward runs, represents a different solution to the American Pulisic. His mobility and unpredictability could be the extra weapon needed to unlock a match that promises to be demanding against a Sassuolo side that has already shown this season that it can trouble the top teams.
AC Milan’s probable line-up
The regular goalkeeper takes his place between the posts. The defence will be formed by the trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlović, with Koni De Winter ready to come off the bench as the only available cover among the centre-backs. It should be noted that another defensive element will miss the trip to Reggio Emilia due to muscular fatigue. Bartesaghi could also be deployed in an emergency role as a central defender.
In midfield, Milan will rely on a five-man setup: Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana will operate as box-to-box midfielders, with Ardon Jashari set to take the place of Luka Modrić — who has remained in Milan — as the linking element. The two wide midfielders will complete the unit.
In attack, as anticipated, the starting pair will be Leão–Nkunku.
The Champions League situation: everything still open
Como drew in the last round, making it impossible for Milan to secure mathematical Champions League qualification in this matchday, even with a victory and favourable results from rivals. However, a win in Reggio Emilia would bring the Rossoneri significantly closer to the objective, maintaining pressure on the teams chasing them and competing for the fourth place spot.
Last season Milan missed out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition: this season the story must be different. The squad has the quality to do it, and this final sprint is the moment to prove it on the pitch.
Modrić and the dream farewell at San Siro
To close, it is worth mentioning a romantic notion circulating in the Rossoneri environment: Luka Modrić, who will not travel to Reggio Emilia, could have the chance to bid farewell to the San Siro crowd on the final matchday of the season. Allegri himself reportedly hinted in his press conference at the Croatian’s strong desire to experience that moment with the supporters. It would be a season finale worthy of a champion of his stature.
