Massimiliano Allegri has responded to Milan's alarming slump by benching half the team that started against Sassuolo for tonight's crucial Serie A clash with Atalanta. The quintet of Jashari, Fofana, Estupinan, Leao, and Nkunku have been dropped to the bench, signaling a desperate attempt to halt a slide that has seen the Rossoneri win just two of their last eight matches.
The decision comes as Milan's season teeters on the brink of collapse. After briefly challenging Inter and Napoli for the Scudetto, a four-game losing streak in seven outings has left the team clinging to a three-point lead over fifth place in the race for Champions League qualification. The drop in form has been accompanied by growing fan unrest, with supporters organizing a pre-match protest against CEO Giorgio Furlani and the club's ownership.
Allegri, who insisted Tuesday that fans would back the team during the match, acknowledged the pressure. "We need a reaction and the fans will support us," he said, though the atmosphere remains tense. The protest, led by the Curva Sud and other fan groups, is expected to halt once the players take the field, but the team's performance will dictate the mood inside San Siro.
The club has been plagued by off-field turmoil since the end of last season. Protests against owner Gerry Cardinale and the lack of a clear project have resurfaced after a brief truce during the summer. The Scudetto slipping away—coupled with Inter's title win—has reignited anger, with supporters questioning the ambition and direction of the management.
Allegri himself faces scrutiny for failing to arrest the decline. Critics point to a tactical shift to 4-3-3 that backfired against Udinese and an inability to cure a goal drought that now stretches over two months. Leao, the team's last scorer on March 1, has become a symbol of the attacking struggles, drawing whistles from the stands.
Tonight's must-win encounter against Atalanta will test Milan's resolve. A defeat could see their Champions League hopes in jeopardy, while even a draw might not satisfy the restless crowd. The pressure is layered, but the most immediate test falls on Allegri's revamped lineup.
The broader context adds weight: this is the third consecutive season of fan protests, with previous campaigns against the leadership of Cardinale and Furlani. The team's mental fragility after the Scudetto dream ended has been a recurring theme, with players accused of switching off after the derby loss on March 8.
For now, Allegri's gambit—benching five regulars—represents a last throw of the dice. If it fails, the consequences could extend beyond a single result, potentially accelerating changes in the dugout and boardroom. As kickoff approaches, the questions are clear: can this lineup rekindle Milan's spirit, or will the crisis deepen?
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.
