Milan vs. Bologna in Serie A: Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez to start, but what about Christian Pulisic?

Attention in Serie A turns to whether Milan’s American star, Christian Pulisic, will be ready for Sunday’s showdown.

Santiago Gimenez will lead the line, Luka Modric will orchestrate the midfield, and San Siro will be buzzing — but the real intrigue heading into Milan’s clash with Bologna surrounds one man’s fitness. Attention in Serie A turns to whether Milan’s American star, Christian Pulisic, will be ready for Sunday’s showdown.

Both teams sit side by side on three points after two league matches, and with a Coppa Italia final rematch on the cards, there’s more than just bragging rights at stake. Bologna, buoyed by their recent silverware and return to European soccer, will be eager to prove that their triumph last season was no fluke. At the same time, the Red and Blacks need consistency after a turbulent campaign that saw them finish eighth and miss out on Europe entirely.

Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the Milan dugout was meant to bring stability, and after a stumbling start — a shock 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Cremonese — the Rossoneri steadied themselves before the international break.

The 2-0 victory over Lecce may have relieved some of the early-season pressure, but Allegri’s real challenge begins now. The team’s main objective this season is clear: fight for a top-four finish and return to European competition. With key signings like Modric and Adrien Rabiot brought in over the summer, this remodeled squad must deliver.

Will Pulisic play?

The biggest uncertainty heading into Sunday’s clash centers around Christian Pulisic. The U.S. international played late into the international break, featuring for the USMNT in a friendly against Japan in Columbus, Ohio, before making the long trip back to Europe.

“Pulisic, however, remains a doubt for Milan, as he started in the international friendly… and has since had to make the long journey back to Europe, which has not left much time for recovery or for training with the Rossoneri,” reported Sky Italia.

Beyond travel fatigue, reports indicate that the 26-year-old also suffered a hand problem and will be evaluated before kickoff. Allegri’s decision could reshape Milan’s attack: if Pulisic is benched, Adrien Rabiot could make his debut, with Loftus-Cheek moving into a more advanced role alongside Santiago Gimenez.

Probable XI and what to expect

As per Sky Italia, Milan’s probable lineup is a 3-5-1-1 featuring Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek; and Gimenez leading the line.

If Pulisic is passed fit, he could be introduced later in the game to stretch Bologna’s defense. But if not, Sunday might be remembered as the day the Rossoneri fans got their first real look at the Modric-Rabiot midfield axis — and perhaps a glimpse of a new chapter for Allegri’s side.