Milan bench Pulisic against Bologna to safeguard derby with Inter
Why Christian Pulisic will start from the bench in the San Siro clash with Bologna
AC Milan arrive at the weekend’s Serie A encounter against Bologna with a perfect league record and a looming derby against Inter Milan. Head coach Ruben Amorim has opted to keep the United States winger on the bench, a decision that reflects a broader strategy of managing a thin squad and preserving key players for the high‑stakes match on Saturday.
Current form and the stakes
The Rossoneri have been unbeaten in their first eight league games – five victories and three draws – and have won every match they have played at home this season. Their most recent league win came on Sunday, a 2‑0 triumph at Udinese in which Pulisic opened the scoring before Omari Hutchinson added the second. The result helped steady the team after a disappointing 3‑0 loss to Bournemouth in the Europa League.
Bologna, under Raffaele Palladino, come into the game after a 2‑0 win over Cagliari and have shown signs of improvement since the coach took over. Nonetheless, Milan’s dominant home record makes the trip to San Siro a daunting prospect for the visitors.
Workload management ahead of the Derby della Madonnina
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim’s primary motive for resting Pulisic is to limit his minutes before the upcoming derby with Inter. The American forward, who is 28, has also been handled cautiously since returning from a muscle injury sustained while representing the United States at the World Cup. The club has avoided starting him in consecutive matches that are spaced by European fixtures, a pattern that underscores a careful approach to his fitness.
The same rationale applies to veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, who is also expected to begin the Bologna game on the bench. By limiting the load on both players, Amorim hopes to have them at peak condition for what is arguably the most important match of the season.
Injury crisis and squad depth
Milan are currently dealing with a growing list of absentees. Regulars such as Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Filippo Terracciano are all doubtful or unavailable for the Bologna fixture. With the roster stretched, the Portuguese coach has been forced to make difficult choices about who starts and who comes off the bench.
In place of Pulisic, young Italian attacking midfielder Alphonso Cissé will be given the nod. The 19‑year‑old is expected to operate behind striker Gonçalo Ramos, providing a link between midfield and attack and adding a creative spark in the final third.
Potential impact of the decision
- Preserving energy for the derby: Resting Pulisic and Modrić could ensure they are fully fit for the showdown with Inter, where Milan will look to close the gap on the league leaders.
- Maintaining momentum: Milan must still secure three points against Bologna to keep their unbeaten run alive, despite missing two of their most influential players from the starting eleven.
- Testing squad depth: The benching offers an opportunity for younger talents like Cissé to gain valuable experience in a high‑pressure environment.
- Managing injury risk: By limiting Pulisic’s minutes, the club reduces the chance of aggravating his recent muscle problem, which could have longer‑term repercussions.
Looking ahead
Should Milan manage to hold onto their domestic momentum without Pulisic starting, the team will head into the derby with confidence. A positive result against Bologna would keep them within striking distance of Inter, while also allowing the American winger to enter the match against the Nerazzurri fresh off the bench, ready to make an impact.
For now, Milan’s challenge is to adapt to a lineup that lacks two of its biggest names on the pitch, while still preserving the unbeaten streak that has defined their early season performance.
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