INJURY ISSUES PLAGUE MILAN

AC Milan return to action this weekend after a fairly disastrous international break, with a number of Max Allegri's squad returning to Italy carrying injuries...

Match Details

• Fixture: AC Milan vs Fiorentina
• Date: Sunday 19 October 2025
• Kick-off: 20:45 local time at San Siro, Milan
• Competition: Serie A (Matchday 7)

Background & Context

• Milan have made a strong start to the 2025-26 Serie A campaign, sitting third with four wins, a draw and one defeat from six matches so far.
• Fiorentina, by contrast, are having one of their worst Serie A starts in decades, without a win in the opening six matches.
• Home ground (San Siro) gives Milan a distinct advantage. Historically Milan have had the upper hand in many recent home meetings against the Viola.

Injury & Availability – Key Issues for Milan

Two big names are injured which will force tactical adjustments:

1. Christian Pulisic
   • He sustained a low-grade hamstring injury during the USA’s friendly vs Australia.
   • The MRI confirmed the diagnosis; Milan expect him to miss the Fiorentina match.
   • He’s to be re-evaluated in about ten days.
2. Adrien Rabiot
   • He picked up a calf injury (lesion to the soleus muscle) during international duty with France.
   • The injury is serious enough to rule him out of this match; the earliest assessments indicate he might be out for at least 2 games, possibly up to 3–4 weeks depending on re-evaluation.

Other injury / fitness-tests:

• Pervis Estupiñán: returning with ankle Sprain, still doubtful for the Fiorentina match.
• Alexis Saelemaekers: had a flexor issue; recovery progressing positively though he trained individually; possible but uncertain fit for Sunday.
• Christopher Nkunku: minor foot injury; his availability is in question.

Tactical & Squad Implications for Milan

With Pulisic and Rabiot out, Allegri will need to make adjustments, especially in attack and midfield.

• Attack: Without Pulisic’s creativity, penetration and goal threat from wide or centrally will fall more heavily on Rafael Leão, Christopher Nkunku (if fit), and the main striker (Santiago Giménez?) to pull double duty. The winger role(s) will need someone to stretch the defence, deliver crosses / cut-backs, and provide off-ball movement.
• Midfield: Losing Rabiot, a key feature of Milan's excellent start to the season, removes both physical presence and experience. The midfield pivot / double pivot may need to rely on Luka Modrić plus someone else (e.g. Yunus Musah or another more defensive/box-to-box player - Ricci?). Balancing the squad’s defensive cover with attacking support will be critical.
• Wing-backs / Full-backs: Given doubts over Estupiñán and Saelemaekers, Allegri may need to give minutes to backups or rotate - with Bartesaghi and Athekame ready to step up. Defensive stability and ability to track Fiorentina’s counterattack will be crucial.
• Defensive discipline: will be even more important vs a Fiorentina side trying to find goals — they’re in poor form but will likely try to strike on the break or from set pieces.

Fiorentina: What They Bring & Their Weaknesses

• Very poor start domestically. No wins in Serie A so far; goals are scarce from their forwards.
• Defensive issues: conceding too easily, especially at home. They lost several games at home recently.
• Attacking talents exist (Kean, Gudmundsson, etc.), but perhaps lack cohesion; Fiorentina seem to be failing to convert chances or failing to create enough.

Key Matchups / Tactical Keys

Here are some of the crucial factors Milan must address to win:

1. Midfield control
   With Rabiot out, Milan need to dominate the centre, reduce Fiorentina’s transition chances, and ensure Modrić is not overloaded. Pressing, recovering possession, and safe ball circulation will be essential. Samuele Ricci could be vital.
2. Exploiting wide channels
   Fiorentina’s defence has had vulnerabilities, especially when outnumbered on the wings. Milan must use their wing-backs / wide attackers effectively to stretch their back line.
3. Set pieces
   When games get tight, set plays tend to decide outcomes. Milan should aim to capitalise on corners and free kicks.
4. Maintain defensive shape, especially early
   Avoid early concessions; Fiorentina will likely try to unsettle Milan from the off. Milan need to be calm, organized, not give away silly fouls, and be ready to absorb pressure.
5. Effective substitutions
   Given Milan’s injury constraints, Allegri will need to use the bench smartly. Having fresh legs in midfield/attack for the last 20-30 minutes could tilt the balance. He may for this reason opt to start with Gimenez in attack, leaving Leao as an option from the bench.

Likely Line-up / Formation

Here is a probable Milan XI / formation, given injuries:

• Formation: Possibly a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1, depending on fitness of wing-backs; could revert to 4-3-3 if wing-backs are doubtful.
• Starting XI (expected): Maignan; Tomori, Pavlovic, Gabbia; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek; Gimenez.

Prediction & What Milan Need to Do to Win

To get maximum points, Milan need to:

• Start strong and avoid passivity in the first 20 minutes. A repeat of the Napoli start would be ideal.
• Get early control of midfield to reduce Fiorentina’s chances of growing into the game.
• Use width and pace, especially in transitions and wing play.
• Once ahead (if they are), manage the game well rather than pushing recklessly.

Given Fiorentina’s troubles, Milan are heavy favourites, though injuries reduce their margin for error.

Likely scoreline: Milan 2-0 or 2-1 win. Fiorentina may get a goal if Milan are sloppy or allow counterattacks, but overall Milan should dominate possession and chances.

The game is live on TNT Sports on Sunday night.