Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has suggested Kaka will probably start in Saturday’s Serie A game at Torino.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has suggested Kaka will probably start in Saturday’s Serie A game at Torino.
The Brazilian re-joined the club on transfer deadline day – four years after leaving the Diavolo for Real Madrid in a €65m deal.
“I think he will be in the starting XI,” Allegri noted on Friday. “He is in good shape, he has trained really well and he has the enthusiasm of a young boy.
“I think he is a little nervous about his debut tomorrow and it is only normal that he is missing a bit of match sharpness.”
Kaka was widely considered as one of the world’s best when he left San Siro, but Allegri thinks he still has plenty to offer.
“Kaka can give a lot to Milan. He has done some great things here at this club, he hasn’t played a lot over the last three years in Madrid, but he has immediately put himself at my disposal.
“He spends a lot of the day at Milanello and he is a great example for the youngsters.”
With Kaka and Mario Balotelli set to begin in a 4-3-1-2, there is still one shirt in attack available. “Alessandro Matri could start, but I’m thinking of Robinho and Stephan El Shaarawy as well. I have options.”
The latter was dropped in Week 2 and his omission quickly became a talking point after his struggles in front of goal following the arrival of Balotelli.
“There is no problem with El Shaarawy. It doesn’t exist. Stephan’s goals dried up in the second half of the season, but his performances remained good.
“It was his first season under the spotlight, but he did well.
“Since he returned from the Confederations Cup, he’s only really missed the Cagliari game. You can’t fear competition for places when you are in a great team. That needs to be a stimulus.
“El Shaarawy needs to stay calm because he has my faith.”
Milan do have some selection problems going into the Turin clash, especially in defence after this week’s injuries to Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate.
“I have to thank Cristian Zaccardo, he’s a great professional,” stated Allegri who is set to give the player just his second appearance for the Rossoneri.
“Had he left in the summer then we would be in trouble today. I could use midfielder Andrea Poli at the back, but I prefer to field players who know the role.”