The International break brings Santi back down to earth
The time for excuses is over. Milan need goals, and Massimiliano Allegri is looking straight at Santiago Gimenez. In an attack that, more than ever in recent weeks, has lost sharpness and consistency, the return of the Mexican centre-forward could become the most important story of the Rossoneri’s run-in.
All eyes, now, are on Santi. Zero goals in the league so far, that’s true, but also a long absence that has inevitably skewed both judgement and numbers. That is why, more than ever, there is a sense around Milanello that the real Gimenez has yet to be seen.
The issue, in truth, was there for all to see. That damaged ankle, dragged along for weeks, limited his movement, explosiveness and presence in the box. Then came the stoppage at the end of October, surgery, and five months out.
Now, though, the picture appears to have flipped. Allegri is convinced he has rediscovered a different player: physically stronger, sharper, even more developed from a muscular standpoint after the long, tailored work carried out during his recovery.
Gimenez, now Milan need a No 9
The most important note, however, is mental. Gimenez never let himself go. An injury like that, arriving after weeks without scoring, could easily have drained his confidence and enthusiasm. Instead, the Mexican reacted like a true striker: head down, hard work, and a desire to return.
He made a brief appearance against Torino, enough to send a clear message to Max.
Rafael Leao is dealing with fresh physical issues, Christian Pulisic has stalled at eight goals and has not scored for months. The rest of the forward line is not carrying the load either: Christopher Nkunku has gone cold in front of goal, Niclas Fullkrug has only found the net against Lecce.
In short: Milan need someone to occupy the box and turn attacking weight into goals. They need a No 9.
And the club continue to believe in the investment made to bring him from Feyenoord, where he posted more than impressive numbers: 65 goals in 105 appearances.
Max’s plan
Allegri, too, wants to back him fully. The test against Milan Futuro was arranged precisely for this: to get minutes back into his legs, to reacquaint him with match rhythm and to understand whether the moment for his relaunch has finally arrived.
The feeling is that it has. Now it is up to Gimenez – his movement, his hunger, and above all his goals. Because Milan need them immediately. And he has the perfect opportunity to seize the run-in and, perhaps, his long-term future in red and black.
