Allegri: ‘Milan need new energy, Gimenez advised to have surgery, we’ll see about transfers’

Massimiliano Allegri says that he and Milan will have to wait and see about potential incomings in the January transfer window, and has told supporters what to expect when the Rossoneri take on Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on Thursday evening. 

Milan will face Napoli in the first of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday evening. That will be followed by Bologna vs. Inter on Friday night and the eventual final on Monday evening. 

Milan are the reigning champions of this competition, having claimed the trophy in Sergio Conceicao’s first two games in charge last winter. Much has changed for the Rossoneri since then, including the head coach, and their league form heading into the mini-tournament. 

Allegri feels that this will be a different type of game compared to the usual matches in Serie A. 

“Tomorrow is a different type of game. It’s a one-off match and the goal is to reach the final. Napoli are a very strong side, it will be a complicated and difficult game,” he told the media during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Allegri also gave a fitness update on Youssof Fofana and Rafael Leao: “In terms of their condition, Fofana is fully available, we will see about Leao after training today,” he said. It is also understood that Santiago Gimenez and Matteo Gabbia are unavailable.

Allegri was then asked if he plans to make any tactical changes against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana. 

He replied: “We’ve always played with three attacking players. Saelemaekers is the one who brings the variation. We’ve got Athekame and Jashari back, we need new energy given that we always play with the same players.” 

And on tomorrow’s opponents, Allegri said: “Napoli, regardless of their tactics, are a strong team who score a lot of goals inside the box. Tomorrow will be a great game with lots of quality players.” 

The Rossoneri head coach confirmed that centre-forward Gimenez is expected to go under the knife on Thursday. Whether this means that Milan will make any moves in the January transfer window remains to be seen, though. 

“Gimenez had a medical consultation and was advised to have surgery. The operation should be tomorrow morning. Milan’s plan is to recover the players we already have available, then, with the club, we will see what can be done in the window.”