Allegri confirms Nkunku can start first Milan game, provides Leao injury update | OneFootball

Massimiliano Allegri confirms that Christopher Nkunku could start for the first time for Milan, while Rafael Leao will be assessed later this week to determine his availability against Napoli.

Milan are preparing for a Coppa Italia game against Lecce on Tuesday.

The Rossoneri have won three consecutive games in Serie A, but Allegri urged his players to switch focus quickly as he wants to qualify for the next round.

“Tomorrow is a different competition from the league, a knockout game,” the Milan coach told SportMediaset via TMW.

“There’s not even extra time, so we must not let it go to penalties, which are a lottery. Winning is never easy; we’ll need the right approach.”

Nkunku set to start for Milan for the first time

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri gestures 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)

Allegri confirmed that Nkunku is likely to start tomorrow, but there will be more rotations in other departments.

“Nkunku is doing better; he could even start. Tomorrow is a chance to see those who have played less, but it’s also an opportunity to go through and qualify for the next round,” Allegri said.

“You experience it differently, watching the match from the stands, it’s not the same. Hopefully, this will be the last time because I can’t afford to be in the stands again.”

Allegri provides Rafael Leao injury update

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rafael Leao has only played one competitive match this season and has been out of action since mid-August due to a calf injury.

The Portuguese won’t be available in Coppa Italia and will be assessed ahead of the next Serie A match against Napoli.

“Tomorrow absolutely not. We’ll assess him on Thursday and Friday and decide whether or not he’ll be available for Napoli,” Allegri concluded.