Milan team news: Allegri weighs up surprise derby start for Nkunku ahead of Pulisic

Massimiliano Allegri is considering handing Christopher Nkunku a surprise start in Sunday evening’s Milan derby, with Christian Pulisic’s ongoing physical struggles opening the door for the Frenchman to make his mark in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.

The latest news comes via Goal, as preparations continue ahead of Sunday’s huge derby clash.

Pulisic has been hampered by bursitis for several weeks, and the numbers tell a difficult story, the American has not scored since December, is yet to find the net in 2026, and has not completed a full 90 minutes since January.

His appearance at Cremonese left onlookers concerned, with the former Chelsea man visibly drained and deflated as he returned to the bench.

Nkunku, by contrast, has been sharper whenever called upon recently.

Allegri weighs up Milan derby start for Nkunku as form improves

His assist for Rafael Leao’s second goal at Cremonese, a moment of composure and quality that arrived in just a few minutes off the bench, has accelerated Allegri’s thinking considerably.

The Frenchman has grown notably in form and sharpness since the turn of the year, and his developing chemistry with Leao is another factor working in his favour.

Their shared celebration at Cremona was widely read as a symbol of a growing on-pitch connection that could prove significant against Inter.

Allegri will retain his trusted 3-5-2 for the derby, with Modric and Rabiot expected to be central figures in midfield.

There is also positive news from the treatment room, with Davide Bartesaghi’s muscular injury proving less serious than feared, leaving the young defender in contention to start.