Carlo Pellegatti has expressed support for Stefano Pioli’s potentially daring lineup choices ahead of tonight’s match against Cagliari in Sardinia.

Scarlett MLast Updated: September 27, 2023

According to Carlo Pellegatti reputable sources, Rade Krunic’s injury paves the way for Yacine Adli to make his first start of the season in the midfield, marking 346 days since his last start for the Rossoneri against Hellas Verona. Additionally, Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao will be given a rest, providing an opportunity for a revamped attacking trio composed entirely of new signings: Christian Pulisic on the left, Samuel Chukwueze on the right, and Noah Okafor up front.

During his column for MilanNews, Pellegatti discussed Pioli’s expected choices and expressed his belief that they are the right decisions, while acknowledging that the true outcome will only be revealed on the field.

“To be the first to say it, I appreciate Stefano Pioli’s decisions. In Cagliari, the Milan coach is deploying an entirely new but fresh, quick, and intriguing attack,” he began.

“On the right, Chuk must prove his qualities, which made him the player with the second-highest successful dribbles in La Liga last season, behind only Vinicius.

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Carlo Pellegatti

“Okafor has left a strong impression on me with his speed and technique, evident in his two appearances in Rome and last Saturday at San Siro. The question remains about his adaptation as a central striker, but I am confident that Pioli has devised a position ideal for showcasing his speed and dribbling skills.

“On the left, Pulisic brings reliability, appearing more comfortable on the left wing than in other positions on the pitch. This match is crucial as it should start to clarify our assessment of the quality of our recent acquisitions.”

Nonetheless, the transfer market has already yielded positive results with acquisitions such as Reijnders, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic himself, and Carlo Pellegatti particularly in the case of a goalkeeper who provides unwavering reliability, security, and seasoned experience. He showcased his excellence with a remarkable and crucial save in the early stages of this season, a save that secured two vital points for Milan against Verona.

“The most thrilling aspect of the match on Sardinian soil, however, revolves around the season debut of Yacine Adli, especially for avid supporters like myself. ‘Mozart’ may turn out to be the delightful surprise of the season. Over the past few weeks, he has undergone a transformation in the crucible of artists at Milanello, adapting to a new role as a central midfielder.

During the Carlo Pellegatti summer friendlies, he displayed promising signs of positional awareness, tactical acumen, and, above all, a strong sense of character. It is precisely these qualities, his character and fearlessness, that stand out to me as the defining traits of the French player. Adli has the potential to provide Milan with a significant turning point, particularly in the context of the roles played by Bennacer and Krunic.”

Comparisons have been drawn between his journey and that of Pirlo, and it’s essential to refrain from displaying disappointment while perusing these lines. Prior to emerging as one of the finest midfield maestros of the past two decades, both in Italy and on the global stage, I vividly recall the barrage of criticisms that rained upon him. He was dubbed the ‘talent’ but appeared to be a challenging prospect to harness. However, as history would have it, he eventually found his footing and blossomed into greatness. Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders, alongside him, now harmonize seamlessly with Pioli’s tactical concepts.

Let’s take a moment to consider the Rossoneri coach. His recent string of losses in derbies has cast a shadow for some Milan fans. Nevertheless, this season’s Milan team has shown impressive consistency, only dropping one game out of six, boasting an average of 2.4 points per game in the league. If this trajectory continues, it could lead the team to a projected total of 91 points.

I cannot predict when and who will succeed him, but I hope that whoever takes the helm of the Carlo Pellegatti Rossoneri bench will, within three years, accomplish the feat of securing a second-place finish, clinching a Scudetto, reaching the Champions League semi-finals, and consistently contending for the top spot.

Should his successor aspire to surpass this legacy, they would need to achieve two league titles and provide the fans with at least one appearance in the Champions League final. These accomplishments would be realized with a team that was never considered the favorite and was always cast in the role of an underdog.

If you’d like to know my perspective, I would have gladly accepted the proposition of returning to the Champions League, winning a Carlo Pellegatti , triumphing in the decisive derby for the title, and competing in the Champions League until May, even if it meant enduring the disappointment of losing five derbies in a single year. I would have embraced it wholeheartedly, akin to a child in their second grade, without hesitation.