While most eyes are on the lineup choices of manager Sergio Conceicao, one particular question looms ahead of Saturday’s clash: what role will Christian Pulisic play in a Milan team still searching for consistency?
As Milan prepares to welcome Fiorentina to the San Siro on Saturday, fans are still basking in the glow of a spirited 1-1 draw against rivals Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. That result, though far from decisive, restored some belief in a team whose league form has left much to be desired.
With just nine matches left in Serie A and the Rossoneri languishing in ninth place, the road to European qualification via the league is narrow and fraught with pressure. The team sits nine points off fourth place, and with nine defeats already in the campaign, any margin for error has long vanished.
Yet, while most eyes are on the lineup choices of manager Sergio Conceicao, one particular question looms ahead of Saturday’s clash: what role will Christian Pulisic play in a Milan team still searching for consistency?
San Siro awaits a response
There is no room for rotation without risk anymore. Milan’s Coppa Italia hopes remain alive, but they must also attack the league with purpose. “If there is to be a miraculous effort to be in Europe next season, the first steps must be made tomorrow,” wrote Milan News. The sentiment is clear: three points against the Viola is non-negotiable.
The defense will see a minor but notable change. Fikayo Tomori is expected to return to the starting lineup, but aside from that, the backline will otherwise remain the same: Mike Maignan in goal, with Kyle Walker, Malick Thiaw, and Theo Hernandez forming the rest of the back four.
In midfield, Youssouf Fofana keeps his spot, but question marks remain over his partner. Tijjani Reijnders missed training earlier in the week due to discomfort, opening the door for USMNT international Yunus Musah to step in if needed. The final call will be made just hours before kickoff, depending on Reijnders’ fitness.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to the starting XI, lining up on the right flank after a spell on the sidelines. Rafael Leao, ever the attacking reference on the left, will keep his place—an important boost for the Red and Blacks’ wing play.
Pulisic’s role revealed—and a bit of history beckons
As for Christian Pulisic, the mystery has been solved. The American star will start centrally once again, reprising a role that has brought out some of his best performances. Positioned behind striker Tammy Abraham, Pulisic is expected to link the midfield and attack—a key creative hub in Conceicao’s 4-2-3-1 system.
The implications of this are not just tactical. With nine Serie A goals and six assists already this season, the 26-year-old is on the verge of American soccer history. “He could become just the second American player to reach double figures for goals in two different seasons in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2000s,” noted Milan News. Only Clint Dempsey has achieved the feat before him.
Pulisic has already scored 12 goals in all competitions in 2023-24, and he continues to silence doubters who once questioned whether his move from Chelsea to Milan was a step down. It has become clear that he is among the Serie A giant’s most consistent attacking threats, and this match could add yet another highlight to a quietly spectacular campaign.
Leading the line will be Tammy Abraham, fresh off scoring against Inter in the midweek Italian cup tie. His inclusion was never in doubt. “Tammy proved his worth and will retain his place—and rightly so,” a source close to the club revealed. With Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez expected to start on the bench, Milan’s attack may look slightly unconventional, but certainly dangerous.
