AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca is reportedly considering a radical shake-up to his starting lineup for the upcoming match against Lazio, following the team’s disappointing start to the Serie A season. With only one point from their first two games, including a defeat to Parma, Fonseca seems ready to make some tough decisions.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fonseca experimented with a new formation during yesterday’s training session at Milanello. The potential lineup tested was: Maignan; Emerson Royal, Tomori, Pavlovic, Terracciano; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic; Okafor.
The most notable aspect of this lineup is the absence of star players Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao. If implemented, this change would send a clear message from both the club and the manager: the attitude displayed in the Parma match was unacceptable. By potentially benching their two most prominent players, Milan and Fonseca would be prioritizing teamwork, defensive focus, and overall application.
This move would challenge the notion of untouchability for Hernandez and Leao, reinforcing the idea that the team’s success comes before individual status.
The proposed lineup includes several changes. In defense, Terracciano could make his first start for Milan, while Emerson Royal would face a tough opponent in Zaccagni on his full debut. In midfield, Fofana might start alongside Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek. Up front, Okafor looks set to lead the line in the absence of the injured Abraham, with Pulisic shifting to the left and Chukwueze on the right to compensate for Leao’s potential omission.
