Allegri confirms Leao’s return for AC Milan but has Pulisic ‘doubt’

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Christian Pulisic after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri confirms Rafael Leao will be available against Napoli tomorrow, but admits he has a ‘hard time choosing’ as all his players are ‘in good shape.’

Milan coach Allegri spoke at a press conference on Saturday, on the eve of a crucial Serie A match against defending Champions Napoli.

The Italian tactician reiterated that the Partenopei remain title favourites despite Milan’s recent good results.

Allegri also confirmed that Leao would be eligible to play against Napoli.

Allegri: Leao back ‘after 45 days’

The Portuguese has yet to make his 2025-26 Serie A debut as he suffered a calf injury during the first competitive match of the season in Coppa Italia against Bari on August 17.

“I don’t know his exact autonomy; he’s been out for 45 days and only did individual training sessions,” Allegri said via Milannews.

“We shouldn’t be thinking about the result tomorrow, but playing a beautiful and important game. It will be a growth test against the Italian champions.”

Asked whether Milan’s offensive setup will change with the return of Leao, Allegri replied: “We’ll see along the way. Leao has to find his best condition. Nkunku is improving like Pulisic, and Gimenez has started scoring, and hopefully, he’ll continue.

“Then we have the substitutes. You achieve results when players coming off the bench make an impact. Picking the line-up tomorrow will be difficult. What matters is that those on the bench are mentally ready to make an impact when they come in.

“I have quite a few doubts for tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll resolve them by the evening; otherwise, it’ll be a problem,” the Milan coach continued.

“De Winter, Athekame and Nkunku did well on Tuesday. There’s a group of guys becoming a team. Everyone needs a goal, and we must all serve the team’s objective, which is to get Milan back into the Champions League next year.”

Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric have become immediate starters in central midfield at San Siro.

Allegri has ‘hard time choosing’ Milan line-up vs. Napoli

“It was important to bring Rabiot, an international player who raised competitiveness within the group,” argued Allegri.

“We have six very good players. Apart from Modric, who is unique in today’s football. Thankfully, he’s with us. The others are all very reliable, and that’s fundamental.”

Allegri was also asked whether Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku can play together, pushing Santiago Gimenez to the bench.

“They’re all in good shape, I’m having a hard time choosing,” he admitted.

“What matters is that those who play and those who come off the bench are ready for the decisive moment. Everyone wants to play, but I can’t put more than 11 players on the pitch. In the end, we achieve goals together. The players who decide a season are often substitutes.”