Luciano Spalletti and Ruben Amorim are working through their final selection dilemmas ahead of tonight’s big clash between Juventus and Milan at the Allianz Stadium, kick-off 20:45.
Juventus
With a lengthy injury list to contend with, Spalletti’s hand has largely been forced — there are few genuine selection puzzles left to solve. Up front, Nico Gonzalez is again handed the role just behind lone striker Kolo Muani. On the left, Boga is currently favoured over Alajbegovic as backup to Yildiz, while Conceiçao holds down the right flank.
Through the middle, the Douglas Luiz–Locatelli partnership continues, with Koopmeiners the first name off the bench given McKennie’s absence and Sarr not yet at full fitness. At right-back, Celik steps in for the ankle-troubled Cambiaso, and Lucumi looks to have the edge over Kelly for the second centre-back spot alongside the regular starter.
Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Kalulu, Bremer , Lucumi, Celik; Douglas Luiz, Locatelli; Conceiçao, Nico Gonzalez, Boga; Kolo Muani
Milan
Amorim shuffled his options in training yesterday, and only a handful of certainties remain. The back three picks itself — Gila, De Winter and Pavlovic — as does the focal point in attack, with Ramos leading the line.
Rabiot looks poised for his first league start of the season, likely deployed higher up as a trequartista, with Musah paired alongside one of Modric or Jashari in a double pivot. Just behind Ramos, Loftus and Saelemaekers are the frontrunners to support the striker. Out wide, Chukwueze is set for the right flank, while on the left it’s a genuine toss-up between Moreira and Bartesaghi.
There is also a more physical alternative on the table: Loftus pushed into the trequartista role, freeing up Rabiot and Cisse to form the double pivot behind him.
Off the pitch, owner Gerry Cardinale was at Milanello yesterday to watch training in person. A new sporting director is expected to arrive before the end of the season, though Cardinale will continue to oversee the club’s key decisions in the meantime.
Probable XI (3-4-3): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Musah, Modric, Bartesaghi; Rabiot, Cisse; Ramos
