This week has made Massimiliano Allegri think about his frontline again, just as it seemed he would be given the chance to move forward with AC Milan.
Ahead of the Inter game, a lot was said about Milan and their strike partnership. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, traditionally two wingers, led the line together. It is the ideal combo for Allegri, and it was hoped that it could be the start of something.
After all, he has been forced to try other partnerships due to injuries. In fact, the derby partnership was 100 days in the making, due to different periods sidelined for both. Unfortunately, he will now have to return to the drawing board.
In midweek, the American reported an injury and he has been left ‘disappointed’ at the fact that he will not be able to play this weekend, which is frustrating, all things considered. However, no risks will be taken.
Seven again, or eight?
This weekend, then, it will be Leao and someone, and it seems Christopher Nkunku is the most likely choice at this moment. As Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) writes, this would be the second instance of this partnership.
Alternatively, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be given the nod, birthing a new strike partnership, and the eighth of the season, and the results can be seen below.
1) Pulisic-Gimenez, 4 games: 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
2) Leao-Gimenez, 2 games: 0 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses
3) Leao-Nkunku, 2 games: 1 win, 1 draw, 0 losses
4) Saelemaekers-Gimenez, 1 game: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses
5) Loftus-Gimenez, 1 game: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses
6) Saelemaekers-Leao, 1 game: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses
7) Pulisic-Leao, 1 game: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses