Allegri explains AC Milan changes, uncertainty over Gimenez and Como game

Max Allegri explains AC Milan changes for the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli, but also reveals uncertainty over Santiago Gimenez and that controversial Como fixture in Perth.

The first EA Sports FC Super Cup semi-final kicks off in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lausanne-Sport vs. Fiorentina on the Liveblog.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: A detailed view of a corner flag on the inside of the stadium prior to the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

The Supercoppa Italiana Final Four format means tonight a winner is decided after 90 minutes or on a penalty shoot-out, without requiring extra time.

Whoever wins this goes on to face either Bologna or Inter in the Final on Monday.

Allegri adjustments to AC Milan XI

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There are a few changes to the line-up, above all Luka Modric dropped to the bench in favour of Ardon Jashari, while Pervis Estupinan replaces Davide Bartesaghi.

“Jashari did very well against Lazio, while Bartesaghi had a flexor issue, Estupinan is in good shape, and I needed some fresh legs,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset.

Santiago Gimenez showed no signs of recovery from an ankle injury after several weeks, so he went under the knife to stabilise it. Does that mean the Rossoneri will go back on the market in January for a striker?

“As I said yesterday, Milan’s transfer strategy is to get the players back to full fitness. Gimenez had this small surgery, we don’t yet know how long he will be out for. We hope to reach the Final this evening, that would be a good objective, otherwise we’ll get back to focusing on Serie A,” replied Allegri.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Wesley Franca of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rafael Leao and Matteo Gabbia are not even on the bench today due to injury, so Christopher Nkunku starts with Christian Pulisic.

“Nkunku has such extraordinary technique, he works for the team, is settling in really well, we have great faith in him.”

The Rossoneri are in this Final Four because they were runners-up in the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna in May, but won the Supercoppa Italiana in January 2025 when beating Inter 3-2 in the thrilling Final.

Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli surprised many this evening when announcing that Milan vs. Como in Perth is back on for February 8, because they accepted using an Asian Federation referee for this first ever Serie A game played abroad.

“I don’t know anything about that yet. I hope it is an opening to help the future of Italian football and not just a one-off isolated case, otherwise that would be a problem,” replied Allegri.