Tare: ‘Milan surprised by Fullkrug form, Nkunku never in doubt’ | OneFootball

Milan director Igli Tare says they were ‘surprised’ by Niclas Fullkrug’s form after the transfer from West Ham United, and denies Christopher Nkunku will go to Fenerbahce.

The trip to Cagliari kicks off at the Unipol Domus at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

This is the opening Serie A match of 2026 and a victory would see the Rossoneri temporarily leapfrog Inter to go top of the table.

Milan welcome Fullkrug and stand by Nkunku

UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Igli Tare, Sporting director of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on September 20, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

New signing Fullkrug makes his first appearance in the squad after the loan move from West Ham United.

“It’s true there were other clubs interested in him, but we were lacking characteristics in this squad after Gimenez’s injury, so we did well to bring Fullkrug in early, in agreement with West Ham,” Tare told Sky Sport Italia.

“He brings a lot of physicality, a strong presence in the box, but above all great enthusiasm. We were all surprised by his fine form in training this week and he is a player who will help us to achieve our objectives.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan inflates a balloon as he celebrates with teammates after scoring to give the side a 2-0 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)

Nkunku is out with an ankle injury and there have been reports he is part of negotiations with Turkish side Fenerbahce, despite joining from Chelsea for €37m in August.

“It’s normal that during the transfer market there will be rumours, but he was never in doubt here,” Tare said of Nkunku.

“He took a while to settle in and the injuries didn’t help. Over the last two months, we saw some improvements, the two goals he scored last week will give him a lot of confidence. We believe he will be an important player for us.”

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There were some doubts for the starting XI, as Strahinja Pavlovic is struggling with flu symptoms, while Christian Pulisic and Matteo Gabbia are not at 100 per cent either, so they are all on the bench.

It means Davide Bartesaghi drops into the back three, so are Milan looking for new defenders to bolster the numbers?

“We are happy with our defenders, they are having a very good season. Obviously, we are vigilant during the transfer window, and will be ready if there is an opportunity to improve the team, but right now we are happy with the squad,” concluded Tare.