Milan’s ambitions for a top-four finish meet a crucial moment when they put on Bologna in a re-planned series a fixture. With pressure mounting, the manager Sergio Concepticao has made a Bold tactical decisionshaking up its attacking range to look for better results.
They longed for “Fantastic Four” –Christian Pulisic, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez—Has dismantled, with Pulisic especially absent from start XI. But why has the American wing been dropped?
Originally scheduled for October 2024, this week 9 collision was postponed due to flood warnings, and now, four months later, it is much more important. Both Milan and Bologna are tied at 41 points in seventh placeWhich makes this game a crucial moment in their respective seasons. For Milan, the efforts are even higher –They are currently eight points after Juventus in fourth placeAnd this match is their game in hand. A failure to secure three points may be the last battle for their Champions League ambitions.
While the prospects for a front four with Pulisic, Felix, Leao and Gimenez were exciting on paper, reality has been a disappointment. According to Heaven ItaliaThe Quartet has produced only one goal of 933 combined minutes in the last three games—Anst Feyenoord (twice) and Torino. Given this overwhelming production, Conceicao has chosen a more traditional structure and distributed Joao Felix, Rafael Leo and Tijani reminds, Gimentez.
Reason behind Pulisic’s absence
At first glance, Pulisic’s omission may seem to be a reaction to his latest performances. But reality is different. Conceicao has repeatedly recognized that the American wing is still not physically ready to complete the full 90 minutes. In front of last weekend’s match, the Portuguese boss admitted: “Pulisic does not have 90 minutes in the legs. We work with it. At least for the style of play I want, he must be intense for a full 90 minutes. “
In addition, Rossoneri has a crucial match against Lazio this SundayWhich means that the Portuguese manager has probably chosen to rest the USMNT star to ensure that he is in the highest condition for the upcoming fixture.
What this means for Milan
Pulisic’s latest form has also caused concern. According to Transfer marketThe His last non-punishment in Serie A came on October 6, 2024, against Fiorentina. While he has done in other races, his Open-play-dry in the league extends to its fourth monthwhich is a worrying statistics for the red and black attack.
His fighters were further highlighted against Torino, when his Penalty was rescued during the first half– A moment of frustration not only for him but for Milan as a whole. The missed spot-kick was historic in an unfortunate way, as it was first time in his professional career that he had not converted a penalty. Before that, he had been flawless and scored goals 12 of 12 penalties Over club and international matches.
In the 26-year-old’s absence, Milan will look to Joao Felix to provide creativity and clutch games with Leao and Gimenez. In the meantime, Youssouf Fofana returns to the midfieldAdd stability together with Yunus Musah and Reijnders. In the defensive end, Alex Jimenez starts at right back Due to the absence of Kyle Walker, Alessandro Florenzi and Emerson Royal.
