Allegri: ‘Pulisic was not in great shape, but ready’ for Milan vs. Napoli | OneFootball

Max Allegri reveals Christian Pulisic ‘wasn’t in great shape,’ but is passed fit to start against Napoli with Rafael Leao back on the bench after six weeks out.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri are on a remarkable run of results, winning four in a row between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring nine goals and conceding zero.

Rafael Leao returns for a spot on the bench for the first time since the Coppa Italia win over Bari on August 17, meaning only Ardon Jashari is still out of action.

Allegri reveals Pulisic issue for Milan

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to give the side a 3-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

“Pulisic wasn’t in great shape, but he was alright in this morning’s warm-up, so he will start,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

The improvements in the defensive record might also be down to the introduction of veterans like Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric in midfield, who can create a stronger filter.

“We have strong players in midfield, but also in defence and attack. It is early days, this is a very important test for us, to see how we will interpret the match against a Napoli side that won the Scudetto last season.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Santiago Gimenez seems to be finding his form after a difficult start, while Christopher Nkunku got his first goals in the Coppa Italia midweek against Lecce.

“When strikers score goals, they gain confidence. Gimenez had lots of opportunities, he broke through, and he works really hard to help the team,” added Allegri.

“It’s a great evening of sport in this marvellous stadium, which will be packed out, so we hope to bring home a good result.”