Rafael Leao could be played at centre-forward for AC Milan in this evening’s Serie A derby clash with Inter Milan.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi and his Milan counterpart Stefano Pioli are both giving their final thoughts to how they’ll set up their teams this evening.
For the Nerazzurri, it should be the case of the “same old, same old.”
Inzaghi has a settled idea of what his strongest starting eleven looks like. That has been the case all season.
The biggest doubt has concerned who starts on the right flank. But the Inter coach has been leaning towards Matteo Darmian for some time, and the former Manchester United man will start.
For Pioli, on the other hand, there has been a fair bit of experimentation this season.
The Rossoneri coach has tried out a few different systems and tweaks.
According to the Gazzetta, Pioli is preparing another one for the derby this evening.
Rafael Leao To Start At Centre-Forward For AC Milan Vs Inter – Musah On The Wing
The Gazzetta anticipate that Milan will not play with a traditional centre-forward this evening.
That means that Olivier Giroud and Luka Jovic will both settle for a place on the bench.
Rather, the newspaper report, Leao is the player who will lead the line for Milan. Pioli will attempt to use the Portuguese international’s pace, technical ability, and mobility to unsettle Inter defender Francesco Acerbi.
Then, US international Christian Pulisic will move from the right flank to the left, where Leao typically plays.
And then on the right, it will be another US international – former Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah.
Musah is a versatile player who can certainly cover in a wide role.
And the 21-year-old would undoubtedly represent a more defensive option against Federico Dimarco on the right than Pulisic or Samuel Chukwueze.