Milan vs Torino: a must-win for second place
All the pressure is on AC Milan, who face Torino at San Siro today at 6:00 PM in a match that leaves no room for error. After Napoli‘s 1-0 victory over Cagliari last night, which saw the Partenopei leapfrog the Rossoneri in the standings, Max Allegri‘s side have one clear objective: reclaim second place and head into the international break on a positive note, especially following the defeat against Lazio.
The direct clash away to Napoli, scheduled for Easter Monday, looms as a pivotal fixture. Securing all three points today is essential to arrive in the best possible shape for that appointment.
Leao ruled out: adductor problem sparks debate
The headline news from Milanello concerns Rafael Leao, who has not been called up for the Torino fixture due to an adductor problem. The Portuguese winger, who has been dealing with recurring pubic inflammation, felt pain during yesterday’s final training session, forcing the medical staff to leave him out of the squad.
The timeline of events tells the story of a dramatic day: at noon yesterday, during his press conference, Allegri confirmed that all attackers were available, including Leao and Santiago Gimenez, with only Loftus-Cheek and Gabbia ruled out. Then, late in the afternoon around 5:30 PM, it emerged that the number 10 had not completed the session.
The timing of the injury has inevitably raised some eyebrows, given the turbulent week the Portuguese star endured: the on-pitch argument with Christian Pulisic, the subsequent reconciliation and handshake at Milanello, and growing transfer speculation. Some wonder whether the player, possibly aware he would not start after the incident in Rome, opted to step back rather than face the bench.
The official reason remains the physical issue. Leao is due to undergo further medical tests today to assess the extent of the problem. His exclusion from Portugal‘s squad for the upcoming international fixtures now appears likely as well.
Predicted lineup: Allegri goes with 3-5-2
Without Leao, Allegri is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation with Mike Maignan in goal. The back three should feature Tomori, De Winter and Pavlović. In midfield, Saelemakers and Bartesaghi are set to operate on the flanks, with Fofana as the anchor – favoured over Ricci – alongside Modrić and Rabiot, the latter returning from suspension. Bartesaghi, who was notably omitted from the Italian national team squad, should slot in on the left.
Up front, the strike partnership will be Niclas Füllkrug and Christian Pulisic, the same duo that started against Fiorentina. The American is searching for his first goal since December 28, while the German striker has managed just one league goal in a Milan shirt. Allegri has demanded a wake-up call in front of goal: together with Nkunku, the attacking players must raise their output significantly.
Santiago Gimenez is also in the squad and ready to make an impact off the bench if called upon.
Torino: never an easy opponent for Milan
The task will be far from straightforward. Torino arrive following a managerial change and historically always produce spirited performances against Milan, whether at San Siro or at the Stadio Grande Torino. The Rossoneri will need to be at their best to secure the three points and enter the break with confidence.
Cardinale speaks to the Financial Times: ambitions and frustrations
Off the pitch, an interview given by Gerry Cardinale, Milan’s owner through RedBird Capital Partners, to the Financial Times has generated significant discussion. The Milan chief, who rarely speaks to Italian media, addressed the challenges he has faced over the past three years at the helm of the club.
“I’ve dealt with things I had never seen before,” Cardinale stated, describing as “absurd and frustrating” the persistent questions about the club’s true ownership and the constant references to the Elliott fund. The vendor loan – the financing arrangement through which Elliott backed RedBird’s acquisition – fuelled years of speculation about who truly controlled the Rossoneri.
Cardinale also addressed comparisons with Silvio Berlusconi: “Everyone sees me as the new Berlusconi and expects me to spend without limits.” The American businessman, ranked ninth among the wealthiest families in Serie A, reiterated his deep attachment to the club, the city of Milan and Italy, while making clear that his approach will be different – focused on sustainability and modern management.
Many observers and supporters are waiting for a direct, transparent exchange with the Milan fanbase: an in-person press conference in Italy, with specific questions about the sporting project and squad investment plans, could be the right step to bridge the gap between ownership and supporters. So far, interviews with international financial outlets have not addressed every concern, but Cardinale’s stated commitment to “proving it every day” offers cautious optimism for the Rossoneri’s future.
Sources: Financial Times, Milan News
