Allegri: Leao and Pulisic set to start for Milan, but ‘not at peak condition’

Massimiliano Allegri confirms that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are expected to start together for the second time in a Serie A match for Milan this season, but they are ‘not at peak condition.’

Milan host Genoa at San Siro on Thursday evening and Allegri has confirmed that Leao and Pulisic are expected to start in attack tomorrow.

“Let’s see. They’ve played about 20 minutes together. If everything goes well today and tomorrow morning, they should start,” the Rossoneri boss confirmed at a press conference via Milannews.

“They’re not at peak condition. Pulisic has a hamstring problem that is still bothering him from time to time, but everyone has to play a good team game. These months are important to reach March calmly and patiently, in the best possible condition.

“We work every day on the quality of our play to improve passing quality and speed. We’re also trying to keep improving defensively. We want to improve on both phases, with and without the ball.”

Leao and Pulisic have only started once together this season, in a 1-0 win over Inter on November 23. Leao featured in Milan’s starting XI in the previous match against Cagliari, scoring the winning goal.

“Leao has to think about scoring goals. Forwards are judged on that. He has to score,” said Allegri.

“He did score in Cagliari even if he wasn’t fully fit; this discomfort has been bothering him. He can only improve, given that in the first part of the season, he missed quite a few matches due to calf and adductor problems. The same goes for Nkunku, who won’t be available tomorrow. We hope to have him back in Florence, as the knock on his ankle is still bothering him.”

Multiple sources in Italy claim that Milan are close to reaching an agreement to extend Mike Maignan’s contract and Allegri was asked a comment on the matter: “The club is working on Milan’s future. There are many excellent players, and the club is working to build an important future. It’s also important that we finish in the top four,” the coach said.

The Rossoneri have already signed a new striker, Niclas Fullkrug, who made his Serie A debut in the previous round.

“He’s improving his shape. In Cagliari, he made himself available and showed characteristics we don’t have. He made a good impression,” Allegri said.

“Hopefully, he’ll also get the chance to score as we need goals.

“I don’t expect anything from the market. I have a club that takes care of Milan’s future, and Furlani and Tare are working, so I’m very calm.”

Allegri also commented on Luka Modric and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s performances so far.

“Modric is not a technical surprise; what stands out is the passion he has for his work and, above all, the humility with which he shows up at training,” said the Milan coach.

“It makes me laugh that when he misplaces a pass, he gets angry with himself and apologises. He is a great example for the younger players.

“I’m very happy with what Ruben is doing. Yesterday, he trained separately, but tomorrow he’ll be available. He has to switch and be more decisive in the box. He has great potential and must be more decisive in the air as well, but I’m very happy with him.”