Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has indicated that he might opt for an attacking trio in their upcoming Serie A match against Atalanta on Sunday. However, he considers Luka Modric’s return for the season’s final game to be ‘nearly impossible.’
AC Milan is facing increasing pressure, having secured only one victory in their last five games and scoring a single goal during that period.
Italian media reports suggest that Santiago Gimenez could feature in the starting lineup against Atalanta at San Siro. Allegri addressed this possibility during a pre-match press conference.
Allegri hints at Gimenez starting against Atalanta
“If Gimenez is there, there will be one or two players moving around him,” Allegri stated via Milannews. This suggests a potential shift from the usual 3-5-2 formation to accommodate three attacking players.
“We’ll see,” the coach commented on the tactical decision. “We can’t change what we’ve done in these ten months. Tomorrow we begin a mini-season of three games,” he continued.
“That’s how we have to look at it. We have a three-point lead. If we make it to the Champions League, we’ll go; if not, we won’t deserve to qualify. I’ll assess the starting line-up tomorrow, but I need everyone right now. Aside from Modric and Tomori, everyone else is available.
“The games last long, and substitutions in the last 30 minutes are decisive. Everyone will have to be involved in the game. We are in a decisive and important moment.
“It’s a decisive match tomorrow because three games remain. All energy must be focused towards tomorrow’s game. Then we’ll look at the table. We’ll have to play a tricky and difficult game at Genoa afterwards.”
Luka Modric underwent surgery on his cheekbone two weeks ago following an injury sustained against Juventus. The Croatian international is currently training separately at Milanello. However, Allegri has significantly downplayed the likelihood of his return for the final game of the season against Cagliari.
“Even if Modric always comes to Milanello to work, it’s nearly impossible that he’ll be on the pitch for the last match,” Allegri remarked.
During the same press conference, Allegri emphasized his desire to remain at San Siro for an extended period, despite speculation about a strained relationship with CEO Giorgio Furlani potentially leading to his departure in the summer.
“Whoever is at Milan must work for the club and defend a glorious DNA,” Allegri insisted. “I’ve seen that in the directors, and I understand that Milan must always have the ambition to win. If Milan finish sixth, it means we deserved to finish sixth. The important thing is that everyone works for the club. Personal targets must be set aside. The collective goal is to qualify for the Champions League.”