AC Milan Set to Unveil New Striking Duo of Fullkrug and Nkunku Against Napoli

Sport news

AC Milan manager Max Allegri is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of his team’s attack for Monday’s crucial Serie A trip to Napoli, with strong indications that Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku will lead the line.

The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled to kick off at the Stadio Diego Maradona on Monday at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST).

MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on 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)
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on 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)

This match is a critical battle in the Scudetto race, featuring third-placed Milan against second-placed Napoli. Both teams are eager to close the gap on the current league leaders, Inter, who have recently shown some vulnerabilities.

The Rossoneri have faced several injury challenges, with Rafael Leao struggling with a recurring hip inflammation. Additionally, Christian Pulisic only returned to training on Friday after fulfilling his international duties with the USMNT.

Milan Considers Surprise Frontline Changes

PISA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 13: Christopher Nkuku of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Christopher Nkuku of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

According to recent reports, Allegri was reportedly not fully convinced by the current fitness levels of several key strikers, including long-term absentee Santiago Gimenez, as well as those recently returning from international duty.

Consequently, during today’s training session, he experimented with an entirely new strike partnership featuring Fullkrug and Nkunku. These two players have been working consistently with Allegri over the past two weeks during the international break, while many other squad members were away. It remains to be seen if this unexpected duo will be chosen to start tomorrow’s crucial fixture.

In positive news for the squad, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back and available for selection for the first time since undergoing surgery for facial fractures, sustained in a collision with the Parma goalkeeper on February 22. However, Matteo Gabbia, who also picked up an injury in the same match, remains sidelined.

Probable Milan Lineup (3-5-2):

Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Fullkrug, Nkunku

Clive Thornscroft
Clive Thornscroft

Clive Thornscroft lives and works in Manchester, bringing fifteen years of experience in sports journalism. Known for his in-depth golf tournament coverage and football analysis, he has developed a unique writing style that bridges technical expertise with fan-friendly narratives.

Review of popular sports events