MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan travel to Torino knowing tonight’s match could be decisive for Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield structure, with the coach turning to Ruben Loftus-Cheek from the first whistle.
The Rossoneri arrive without Youssouf Fofana, who has been sidelined by a muscular issue, forcing Allegri into an important strategic choice on the eve of the game.
After weighing his options throughout the build-up, the Milan coach has opted for Loftus-Cheek ahead of Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari.
ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach, looks on prior to the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Allegri gives Loftus-Cheek the nod to start for Milan
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the decision reflects a clear tactical intention: adding physical presence, vertical runs and greater attacking impact from midfield.
Allegri has long been convinced of the Englishman’s potential, but he also made it clear in his pre-match press conference that expectations are rising.
“Ruben must believe in his own qualities,” the coach said, delivering what sounded like both encouragement and a direct challenge. “He has enormous physical power and he needs to score more.”
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 03: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England speaks to the media during a press conference at St George’s Park on September 03, 2025 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Tonight, Loftus-Cheek is tasked with translating that “enormous power” into a decisive performance, offering drive through the middle and compensating for Fofana’s absence in a game Milan cannot afford to approach passively.
Allegri wants more conviction from the former Chelsea midfielder, particularly in the final third, and sees this as the ideal setting for him to take on greater responsibility.
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