Landucci: ‘Milan focus on our journey, believe in Leao’
Milan assistant manager Marco Landucci shrugs off talk of the Scudetto race with rivals Inter ahead of today’s match with Parma. ‘We believe Rafael Leao can be a striker.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
The pressure is on the Rossoneri, who slipped seven points behind leaders Inter after their rescheduled Week 24 midweek round with Como ended 1-1.
Inter also won last night’s trip to Lecce, so the gap is currently at 10 points, albeit with this game in hand.
With Allegri suspended, assistant manager Landucci is on the touchline and also spoke to the media before kick-off.
Milan must do without Allegri
“We don’t have to look at what anyone else is doing, we’ve just got to focus on our own journey, and today is a difficult game,” assured Landucci on Sky Sport Italia.
“We must have our usual attitude and at the final whistle see where we are.”
Allegri was sent off from the touchline during the draw with Como and is therefore suspended this evening, but there was no video evidence punishment used against Cesc Fabregas.
It was his gesture that sparked that tension, when pulling the jersey of Alexis Saelemaekers with the ball still in play, something the Como coach apologised for.
Santiago Gimenez is the only remaining Milan absentee, although Strahinja Pavlovic is on the bench after a knock to the ankle.
Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek return to the starting XI, while Adrien Rabiot’s ban has expired.
“Leao is doing better, and if he is starting tonight, it means he is in good shape,” added Landucci.
“We believe he can play as a striker perfectly well and has already scored eight goals this season. We have faith in him, the way we do in many other players.
“Substitutions are fundamental also for the final result, so we have options off the bench.”
Luka Modric is 41 and yet continues to make a big impact in midfield, even scoring goals.
“Apart from being a great player, he is also a very humble person who is eager to work hard. He deserves everything he has achieved and will continue to gain in future.”