Milan are ramping up preparations for the highly anticipated Supercoppa Italiana derby against Inter, with coach Sergio Conceição facing crucial decisions regarding his lineup. The big question mark remains around Rafael Leao’s fitness, as the talented winger has been recovering from an injury. However, recent reports indicate that Leao has returned to training with the team and could at least make the bench for the match. Despite this positive development, it is likely that he will only be able to contribute for about 20 minutes if called upon.
The derby is significant for multiple reasons, and Milan’s medical staff is exercising caution due to a demanding January schedule that includes vital matches in both Serie A and the Champions League.
In addition to Leao’s potential return, there are other encouraging signs for Milan. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has resumed training after nearly a month out due to injury, and Alex Jimenez has recovered from minor physical issues that had previously sidelined him. Jimenez is now in contention for a starting position in what would be his first derby against Inter.
On a less positive note, Matteo Gabbia, who played a crucial role in Milan’s recent match against Juventus, is sidelined due to flu-like symptoms and did not participate in training. His availability for the derby remains uncertain.
Conceição has acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that several players are not at their peak fitness and that Milan has one less day of rest compared to Inter. This situation makes his selection of the starting eleven even more critical.
The coach has experimented with two tactical formations in training to counter Inter’s impressive form over the past two months. The favored option involves a single change from the lineup that faced Juventus: Yunus Musah replacing Ismael Bennacer. If Musah proves fit enough to play at least 70 minutes, he will likely start. The alternative formation considers including Tammy Abraham and shifting to a 4-4-2 setup, which would see Jimenez and Christian Pulisic occupy wide positions.
In another tactical variation, Conceição tested a 3-5-2 formation with Musah in place of Bennacer, utilizing Jimenez and Theo Hernandez as wing-backs while Pulisic partners with Álvaro Morata in attack.
