As Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez and Joao Felix are preparing for an important series a fixture against Bologna, Milan will have to navigate the conflict without an important attacking weapon. Rossoneri, enjoying a modest resuscitation with two wins from their last three league matches and one Place in Coppa Italia finalchasing momentum – but will do it with an eye on the Silverware -showdown that trouble just a few days later.
Despite one 2-1 victory on Genoa On Monday Milan remains ninth in serial alocked up in a frustrating domestic campaign that has left European qualification hanging on its Coppa Italia final against Bologna May 14th. That final represents more than one shot at a trophy – it could be the club’s Latest feasible path to the Europa League action Next season. Nevertheless, the importance of maintaining rhythm before that match can not be overestimated.
The sensitive balance stood up when Youssouf Fofana went down injured After half an hour on Luigi Ferraris. The bench responded by demanding Rafael Leaowhich was originally left out from the beginning eleven by head coach Sergio Conceicao. What followed were both a Rescue team and one repair.
Leao immediately swung the game in his side’s advantage and leveled in the 75th minute with a benched strike before forcing his own goal from Genoa’s Morten Frendrup who sealed all three points.
But eight minutes awayThe Portuguese forward received a yellow card for a foul on vitinha-his Fifth Booking of Serie A campaigntriggers a One-match suspension. It means he will do it Miss Milan’s next league match against BolognaAs ironically, the same opponent is facing again Five days later in Coppa Italia finals.
That replaces Leao – and what it means for Milan
With Leao turned off and Riccardo sottil is not available tooSergio Procepticao must now rethink their attacker options. Ruben Loftus-Kind If the one who originally filled in for Leao against Genoa, but if the injury of Fofana persists, the Englishman can be pushed back to his preferred midfield role.
That scenario could lead to Christian Pulisic to gear to left wing, with God’s Samuel, Yunus Musahor even Alex Jimenez distributed to the right. It is a rotation that can stretch Milan’s breadth and creativity, especially in the absence of the unpredictable and explosive leao.
There is no doubt that Milan’s staff had already thought about resting the Portuguese wing before the cup final. “Proceedicao had already made the decision to rest Leao,” noted GazzettaThe “And would have spent even fewer minutes in Rafa’s legs if not for the injury to the Fofana.” Still, as always, football forced a change in the plans.
While the 25-year-old star is missing on Friday is a blow, it may not be a disaster. His Suspension guarantees now a whole week of restPlace him to be completely fit and fresh for what might be the decisive match in Milan’s season: The Italian Cupfinale at the Olympic Stadium.
It is worth noting that All eight of Leao’s Serie A goals this season have come away from San SiroIncluding one who already on Olimpico against Lazio – perhaps a good sign for showdown towards Bologna.
