Milan, with Lecce Allegri chooses prudence: Maignan still out

Unlike Leao's calf—which initially seemed minor but turned out to be a serious issue—Mike Maignan's doesn't appear likely to require excessive treatment. It was a minor issue, and it remains a minor issue. However, given that it's a particularly delicate muscle, the last few hours at Milanello have been a time of deliberation: should he return to goal against Lecce (as Allegri had mentioned on the eve of Udine) or wait for the big match against Napoli? Barring any significant developments, the latter option appears to have prevailed, especially after the pre-match training session. The schedule, after the Coppa Italia, pits Milan against Napoli and Juventus in the space of a week, and it goes without saying how crucial this high-stakes double-header is. That's why Allegri isn't taking any risks and will confirm Terracciano against Lecce.

In practical terms, Maignan isn't sitting idle. He's training. To be clear: if Tuesday night were a Coppa Italia derby, he'd play. Allegri certainly isn't snubbing Lecce, but the prospect of Napoli and Juventus calls for caution. And caution suggests postponing his return, which will now take place against the Campania side on Sunday evening at the Meazza. The decision is to let him train a few more days, without subjecting him to the risks of a do-or-die game. Terracciano will remain in goal, and he sincerely hopes to continue the virtuous cycle that has allowed Milan to record four clean sheets in their first five games of the season, including three consecutive in their last three outings. The Rossoneri haven't conceded a goal and have allowed very few shots: the worst possible outcome for a goalkeeper. As for the rest of the lineup, Nkunku will make his debut in attack alongside Gimenez. In midfield, Fofana will replace Loftus-Cheek and Ricci will replace Modric, on the left Bartesaghi will replace Estupinan and behind Gabbia will give way to De Winter, also a first-time starter.