Milan: Modric benched v Napoli, Jashari starts, Estupinan on left | OneFootball

The Livorno-born coach manages the Croatian who is untouchable in Serie A. But in Arabia, the bench is just fine. Four starts in 15 days would be too much even for Modric.

Milan, Allegri’s Surprise Choice: Modric Starts on the Bench Against Napoli, Jashari Gets the Nod. Estupinan Favored on the Left

Riyadh becomes the laboratory for Massimiliano Allegri’s bold decisions. After a night of reflection and the morning’s muscle activation, the Milan coach is leaning towards two significant changes in the lineup that will face Napoli in the Italian Super Cup semifinal. The latest indications point towards Ardon Jashari starting in place of Luka Modric and Pervis Estupinan on the left flank instead of Davide Bartesaghi.

These choices follow a precise logic: energy management, maximizing the squad, and a medium-term vision.

Modric out of the starting eleven: management, not a snub

The possible exclusion of Luka Modric is not due to physical problems. The Croatian midfielder is fine and fully available, but Allegri is carefully considering his minutes. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner played on Sunday and, if Milan wins against Napoli, they would also have to play the final on Monday and then the league match on December 28.

“Four starts in fifteen days would be a lot even for someone like him,” leaks from the Rossoneri camp. At forty, Modric remains a technical and mental reference point, but the idea is to preserve him so he’s sharp for decisive moments. It’s not ruled out, in fact, that he could come on during the match.

Jashari as a starter: trust and technical investment

In Modric’s place, Ardon Jashari’s candidacy is growing decisively. For the Swiss midfielder, it would be just his second start for Milan, after his debut in the Coppa Italia round of 16 against Lazio at the Olimpico.

An important opportunity for a player in whom the club invested heavily during the summer transfer window. Jashari has shown personality, intensity, and great motivation, reiterating in recent hours his desire to make an impact: “I’m ready when needed, I work every day to be up to the task.”

Allegri values his freshness as an added asset against a physical and aggressive Napoli, especially in the central area of the pitch.

Estupinan challenges Bartesaghi on the left flank

The other possible change concerns the left wing. Despite Bartesaghi’s recent brace against Sassuolo, Pervis Estupinan’s stock is rising sharply. The Ecuadorian, who arrived from Brighton, brings international experience and greater defensive solidity.

So far, his season has been affected by an injury and some lackluster performances, but Allegri believes a match of this level could be the right opportunity for a comeback. Moreover, Estupinan has unfinished business with Napoli: in the first league match he was sent off and now he has “a great desire for redemption.”

Milan’s possible lineup against Napoli

If the indications on the eve are confirmed, Milan should take the field with this setup:

Goalkeeper: Maignan

Three-man defense: Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic

Midfield: Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupinan

Attack: Nkunku, Pulisic

Leao is absent, still dealing with his injury. The Portuguese aims to return for a possible Super Cup final or for the league match against Verona on December 28.

Allegri and squad management: a clear signal

Allegri’s choices go beyond the single match. Keeping Modric out initially and giving space to Jashari and Estupinan means involving the entire squad and sending a clear message: everyone can be a protagonist.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.