Verdict: Both teams to score – No Best Odds: 6/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet Two local rivals who are desperately searching for their own respective Serie A boosts this weekend, AC Milan will welcome Atalanta to the San Siro on Sunday night. AC Milan Starting with the hosts, while AC Milan might have opened up 2026 at […] The post Prediction: AC Milan vs Atalanta – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
With Christian Pulisic watching closely and Luka Modric ruled out of the season through injury, the spotlight quickly shifted from the pitch to a looming decision that could reshape Milan’s immediate future. With Christian Pulisic watching closely and Luka Modric ruled out of the season through injury, the spotlight quickly shifted from the pitch to a looming decision that could reshape Milan’s immediate future. At 40 years old, Modric continues to perform at an elite level despite recent injury concerns. His next move could affect not only the club’s midfield balance but also the role of teammates such as Pulisic, who usually thrives alongside experienced leaders in the squad. The Croatian star recently suffered a fractured cheekbone during Milan’s 0-0 draw with Juventus after a collision with Manuel Locatelli. The injury has ruled him out for the final stretch of the Serie A season and sparked fresh speculation about whether he would continue playing. For many players, such a setback at this stage of their career might trigger retirement plans. Yet Modric has shown throughout his career that he rarely follows the expected script. Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests the veteran midfielder remains determined to return stronger and finish on his own terms. That resilience has been one of the defining traits of his long and decorated career. Infortunio Modrić da 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤 🤕🚑Saelemaekers chiede il 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙤 per Locatelli 🟥Poi le scintille che non t'aspetti: Kalulu-Tomori 😳🎤 @davidebernardi6BordoCam #MilanJuve è disponibile ora su #DAZN! 📲@pokerstarsnews #Modric pic.twitter.com/Yt0RtZZqny— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) April 28, 2026 Modric’s reported decision becomes clear According to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s report, Luka Modric is expected to extend his Milan contract by activating a one-year clause rather than retire because of the injury setback. That means the Croatian legend could remain at San Siro through the 2026-27 season. The extension is said to depend largely on Modric’s approval, with the Rossoneri unwilling to proceed without his blessing. Milan views him as more than a player, seeing him as a leader whose influence reaches every corner of the squad. A formal announcement may not come immediately, especially with the 2026 World Cup still ahead. However, the direction of travel appears increasingly obvious. Luka Modric of AC Milan Why Milan still wants him Modric’s first season in Italy has reportedly exceeded expectations. He started 32 of Milan’s 34 Serie A matches and logged 2,788 league minutes, more than he managed in any of his final five seasons at Real Madrid. Those numbers underline how valuable he has remained, even in his forties. Rather than using him sparingly, the Rossoneri have leaned on him as a central figure in midfield. His ability to control the tempo, break pressure, and organize possession has given the team balance. Younger teammates, including Christian Pulisic, have benefited from playing beside one of the game’s smartest midfielders–especially in the first part of the season. Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal. Why Champions League qualification matters One key factor in the Croatian’s thinking is believed to be Champions League action. Milan is pushing for qualification, and the chance to compete again in Europe’s top tournament remains a strong motivator. “I’m confident Luka Modric will stay at Milan next season,” sporting director Igli Tare reportedly said. That confidence reflects how strongly the club feels about keeping him. Remaining at Milan would also give Modric one final campaign at a historic club in a historic stadium. Few players get to choose such a stage for the closing act of their career.
In a recent report, Calciomercato stated that Manchester United could intensify their efforts to sign AC Milan winger Rafeal Leao. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to secure...
Following his drop in form, Rafael Leão appears to be transferable for AC Milan, casting doubt over his continuity. In response, Manchester United are reportedly pushing for the Portuguese’s signing, proposing a pick-one-from-three formula in negotiations with the Rossoneri. Rafael Leão has gone from being a cornerstone at AC Milan to becoming transferable for the front office. After the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri, he has had to readapt his position, moving from left winger to center forward. While he had an excellent start to the season, his performances have declined, fueling talk of a possible exit. In response, Manchester United are reportedly pushing for his signing, offering a pick-one-from-three structure in their final proposal. According to Andrea Ramazzotti via La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri are open to negotiating Leão’s departure starting at $59 million. With a contract running until 2028 and a net salary of €5.5 million, they could view his exit as a strong opportunity to reinforce their attack. While they have not traditionally been open to accepting players as part of deals, Manchester United’s approach may have shifted that stance. Amid a generational rebuild at the Red Devils, Rafael Leão emerges as an ideal solution for the left wing, as Matheus Cunha is more convincing in a central attacking or striker role. In an effort to reduce the overall cost of the deal, the English side is open to including Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, or Manuel Ugarte as part of the operation, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Additionally, they would have no issue matching or even exceeding his €5.5 million net salary. Unlike the Rossoneri, Manchester United can offer Leão an ideal scenario to shine at his best. With a clear tactical emphasis on wingers, the Portuguese could rediscover his top form through his pace, dribbling, and change of rhythm, making him a key difference-maker for the team. Additionally, the Red Devils could also offer him UEFA Champions League competition, as they are close to securing qualification, making the move even more attractive. Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match. Joshua Zirkzee emerges as top Leao replacement for AC Milan After failing to deliver offensively, the Rossoneri are reportedly planning a major overhaul in attack. Not only could Rafael Leão leave, but also Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Giménez, and Niclas Füllkrug. For this reason, the potential arrival of Joshua Zirkzee would be an ideal complement to Massimiliano Allegri’s frontline, as it would not block the signing of another striker, but rather strengthen the attack in a balanced way. Joshua Zirkzee is not going through his best moment at Manchester United, often featuring as a substitute without making a major impact. Despite this, the Dutchman showed his best version in Serie A, where he impressed with Bologna. As a mobile forward, he tends to perform better as a second striker, playing off a more fixed No. 9—something that fits well with Massimiliano Allegri’s system. With Zirkzee in attack, AC Milan would gain significant scoring potential along with strong offensive quality, allowing him to combine effectively with Adrien Rabiot and a potential new signing up front. Additionally, at just 24 years old, he represents a reliable long-term option for Allegri. However, the Rossoneri may first need to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, which remains a challenging objective.
Despite recent struggles, Milan appears ready to move forward with one of its most recognizable attacking players. Christian Pulisic’s future at Milan has become a major talking point after a challenging run-in front of goal, yet signs continue to point toward the American remaining with the club beyond the 2026 World Cup. Despite recent struggles, Milan appears ready to move forward with one of its most recognizable attacking players. The winger has endured an unfamiliar dry spell, but his broader influence remains valued inside the squad. Rather than treating the situation as a crisis, the club seems focused on how to restore his sharpness and maximize his qualities next season. Pulisic has now gone 16 consecutive club matches without scoring, matching the longest goalless run of his professional club career. His latest blank came in a 0-0 draw against Juventus, where he was substituted after an hour and showed visible frustration. The last time he experienced a similar streak came during the 2022-23 season at Chelsea. For a player known for decisive moments and direct attacking play, the run has naturally attracted attention. Yet the full picture is more balanced than the headline suggests. Before the drought began, the American star had already scored 10 goals in the first half of the season, helping the Rossoneri remain competitive near the top of Serie A. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. Milan still sees value beyond goals Even during the difficult spell, Pulisic’s overall numbers remain respectable. Across 31 matches, he has recorded a 7.04 rating, alongside 10 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. His underlying metrics suggest continued involvement rather than decline. Sofascore cites 10 big chances created, 1.39 key passes per game, and an expected assists total of 4.06, indicating that teammates have also missed opportunities created by him. That matters when evaluating form. A player can be scoreless yet still productive, and Milan appears to recognize that distinction. The real reason he is likely to stay The mystery surrounding Pulisic’s future becomes clearer when examining Milan’s plans for next season. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club is preparing a wider reshaping of its attack, with several forwards facing uncertain futures. However, Pulisic is considered one of the few players the club is determined to keep. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan warms up before the Serie A match. That confidence reportedly comes from both management and coach Massimiliano Allegri, who still sees the American as an important tactical piece. Rather than selling him after a difficult stretch, Milan intends to rebuild around a structure that better suits his strengths. The plan to reignite his form That leads directly to the strategy emerging behind the scenes. Milan reportedly wants to pair Pulisic with the right No. 9 striker, allowing him to operate in spaces where he can arrive late, combine quickly, and attack goal-facing situations. Allegri is also said to view him as a capable second striker, especially when partnered with a center forward who occupies defenders. This would reduce the physical battles that have troubled him in certain matches. In simple terms, the Serie A giant believes the answer is tactical adjustment rather than transfer action.
