Milan director Igli Tare explains the shocking new strike partnership towards Napoli and insists Rafael Leao ‘is an important participant’ regardless of this season’s issues.
UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igli Tare, Sporting director of AC Milan seems on previous to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on September 20, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Pictures)
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It kicks off on the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
It is a essential second within the season, as whoever wins shall be able to problem leaders Inter going into the ultimate seven rounds.
Tare stands up for Leao and Milan
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Igli Tare of AC Milan seems on in the course of the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Enviornment Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
“These are two nice groups, the desk says in order nicely, we anticipate a spectacular recreation of soccer tonight,”
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“Trying on the Juventus victory too, the desk is closing up and a victory could be elementary for us this night.”
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic aren’t at 100 per cent, so quite than danger them, Allegri has launched a brand new strike pairing of Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku.
“We’ve many glorious strikers, it’s a deep squad for that reason, so there may be nothing shocking about these decisions. The most effective factor for Allegri at this time is that he has lots of choices to select from.
“I typically attempt to look extra to the highest than over my shoulder, enjoying in a stadium with this environment, there may be nothing higher for a participant. We should attempt to do all the things potential to win tonight.”
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Leao has struggled as a False 9 and would maybe want to be on the left wing, however how has his season been total?
“We appear to speak about Leao each week, however his high quality is past doubt,” replied Tare.
“His drawback is that he suffered lots of accidents this season that by no means allowed him to specific himself in the easiest way. He was out for 2 weeks, had a few days coaching with the staff, we introduced him alongside as a result of he could make the distinction off the bench too.”
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Rafael Leao of AC Milan seems on in the course of the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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Will these setbacks have an effect on the way forward for a participant like Rafael Leao?
“He has a contract for an additional two years, he’s an important participant for Milan,” concluded the director.
These sides have already met twice this season, Milan successful 2-1 in Serie A in September regardless of the Pervis Estupinan pink card, however then Napoli emerged 2-0 winners within the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final.