AC Milan’s Tare: Nkunku Thrives as Striker Alongside Leao
AC Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, has expressed confidence in the newly formed strike partnership of Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku ahead of their match against AS Roma. The match is set to take place at San Siro, with kickoff scheduled for 19:45 GMT.
Milan vs. Roma: A Critical Match
The game carries significant implications. A win for AC Milan would bring them level on points with Roma, both vying for a position in the upper echelon of the Serie A table. Conversely, a victory for Roma could help them secure a leading position following Napoli’s recent draw with Como.
Tare’s Derby Experience
Tare, accustomed to the high stakes of derbies from his time at Lazio, spoke about the importance of focusing solely on the game and not the rivalry. He emphasized, “We must think positive,” indicating a determined mindset as they face a formidable opponent.
Injury Concerns for AC Milan
Despite their optimism, AC Milan is dealing with several injury setbacks. Key players Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, and Adrien Rabiot will not participate in the match. Meanwhile, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are available only for a bench role.
A New Strike Partnership
The match will showcase an untested strike duo of Leao and Nkunku, who are not traditional center-forwards but have shown promise during training. Tare commented on their similarity in playing style, stating, “It’s the first time they are starting together tonight.” He remains hopeful about their ability to combine effectively on the field.
Confidence in Leao
Tare also shared his views on Rafael Leao, noting that he is not the player many perceive him to be. He described Leao as a game-changer, expressing optimism for a strong performance from him in this match.
A Moment of Reflection
Before the match commences, there will be a moment of silence to honor Giovanni Galeone, a respected mentor to both AC Milan’s coach Max Allegri and Gian Piero Gasperini, who recently passed away at the age of 84. Tare acknowledged the emotional impact of Galeone’s death on Allegri, underscoring the personal connections within the football community.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the new partnership of Nkunku and Leao, and how their collaboration will unfold in this crucial Serie A clash.
