As Portuguese winger recovers, former Chelsea player debuts, and Mexican striker seeks goals, Coach Allegri explores new offensive strategies for Serie A`s return.
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 05: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with Santiago Gimenez after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 05, 2025 in Genoa, Italy.
AC Milan’s attacking potential largely remains untapped: Rafael Leao was recently sidelined by a calf issue, Santiago Gimenez has been surrounded by persistent transfer rumors, and Christopher Nkunku`s integration has been affected by a drawn-out market process. Now, with the championship set to resume, all three players are preparing intensely, each in their unique situation. Gimenez is seeking renewed drive from his international commitments overseas, Leao is focusing on recovery at Milanello, and newcomer Nkunku is determined to impress both his new teammates and coach Massimiliano Allegri.
While the San Siro faithful eagerly await Leao’s return, it is entirely possible that new faces will emerge to lead the offensive line. Following individual training sessions that concluded with yesterday`s Monza GP free practice, Rafa is perfectly on track with his rehabilitation schedule. Is this progress sufficient to secure a starting berth against Bologna? It’s still too early to tell. Several training milestones must still be achieved, with the most immediate being his reintegration into full group training, which remains uncertain. Should he rejoin the squad on Tuesday, after the three-day break granted by Max Allegri, he could be considered fit enough to start. However, any delay in his return would make a first-minute appearance significantly more challenging. Nevertheless, confidence within the club remains high: Rafa is training effectively, suggesting that his league debut is finally approaching, potentially in an unfamiliar central striker role. He previously featured as a number 9 in the Coppa Italia, where he scored but unfortunately sustained an injury within minutes.
Nkunku`s Bid for Form
Similar to Leao, Nkunku is also intensely focused on reaching peak physical condition. His current situation is not due to injuries but rather an unconventional pre-season preparation: first, a demanding trip to the USA for the Club World Cup (where he made six appearances and scored one goal, including 13 minutes in the mid-July final), followed by an August return to London where he trained with a dedicated fitness coach for players nearing transfer. Consequently, Nkunku arrived from Chelsea less match-fit than his new teammates, having trained at a reduced intensity and without making a Premier League debut. Despite these hurdles, he has rapidly integrated into Milanello and has significantly accelerated his progress recently. His exceptional speed and dynamism have particularly impressed Max Allegri. Rossoneri fans can anticipate seeing him in action (either as a starter or, more likely, as a substitute) when Serie A resumes.
Gimenez`s Enduring Confidence
Milan fans will also welcome Santi Gimenez back into the fold, despite the club`s attempts to include him in a swap deal with Roma’s Dovbyk right up to the final hours of the transfer window. This meant that another striker, rather than the Mexican from the Netherlands, could have potentially emerged from the changing room tunnel. Amidst a flurry of transfer rumors – publicly confirmed by sporting director Tare – Gimenez has remarkably maintained his stability both on and off the field. In Lecce, where he started, he made a glaring error in front of goal but also found the net and celebrated a goal with fans, only for it to be later disallowed for offside. Off the field, he consistently held his position, always expressing his desire to remain a Rossonero and compete for a starting spot despite the intense competition. Last winter, he chose and passionately wanted Milan, a club he had supported since childhood; by summer, it was simply not his time to leave. Thus, even though the new tactical system might not fully highlight his specific characteristics, Santi has firmly committed to staying. He is ready to compete with the proven quality of Christian Pulisic (the other half of the presumed starting attack), the raw talent of Leao, and the unpredictable flair of new acquisition Nkunku. Gimenez’s quest for a starting jersey begins with his international duties in the United States, specifically at the Coliseum in Oakland, California. He is scheduled to play in friendlies between Mexico and Japan, followed by another challenge against South Korea. These are physically demanding commitments, but they could provide a significant boost to his morale – precisely what Gimenez needs most right now.
