Beware the Shark! Ferran can fill lethal Lewandowski's boots

Reeling Real Madrid are all set for another Barcelona beatdown

Fit-again Kelly key to Arsenal's hopes of UWCL comeback

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

How Newcastle beat Madrid & Barca to sign Malaga wonderkid

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>AC Milan play the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal</li><li>The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw</li><li>Reijnders leads Milan in goals this season with 10</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start' - Sergio Conceicao on Mexico star Santiago Giménez’s diminishing role at AC Milan

Serie A

Venezia

AC Milan

Inter

Roma

Mexico international striker Santiago Giménez has seen his role at AC Milan diminish in recent weeks, a surprising shift considering the strong impression he made upon arriving in Italy - scoring three goals in his first five matches. His drop in playing time comes during a stretch where he's been dealing with an injury and facing stiff competition for a spot in the starting lineup.Ahead of the crucial Coppa Italia semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, head coach Sérgio Conceição addressed Giménez’s situation. "There’s no first, second, third, or fourth striker," he insisted. "As we've said many times, he got off to a good start, but recently he’s been dealing with an injury. I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start."Milan's attacking lineup has seen regular rotation. In the recent match against Atalanta, Giménez started on the bench, while Luka Jovic got the nod. The Serbian forward hasn’t had a consistent run either, largely due to the form of English striker Tammy Abraham, who has often been the preferred option. "There’s no set hierarchy. That’s why whoever comes on becomes even more important," Conceição explained.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The last time Gimenez found the net in the league was back on Feb. 15 in a win over Verona, thanks to an assist from Rafa Leão. He scored again a few days later in the Champions League, against his former club Feyenoord on Feb. 18, but hasn’t scored since.Statistically, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders leads Milan in goals this season with 10, followed by American winger Christian Pulisic with nine. Giménez sits eighth on the list, with just two Serie A goals to his name, matching Jovic’s tally.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Milan's overall struggles have led to questions over Conceição's future at the club, which he addressed with the media. "My future? Ever since I got here and won the Supercoppa, people have been talking about it. The players read the news, and that kind of talk doesn’t help create stability within the group," he said. "I haven’t even been shown proper respect - people are already discussing who’ll coach next season while I’m still here."

WHAT SERGIO CONCEIÇÃO SAID

AC Milan will play away in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter Milan this Wednesday. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Gimenez coming on in the final stages of the match, entering in the 76th minute for Abraham - who scored the Rossoneri’s goal.

WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

'I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start' - Sergio Conceição on Mexico star Santiago Giménez’s diminishing role at AC Milan | Goal.com

The last time Santi found the net in the league was back on February 15 in a win over Verona

&apos;I simply pick whoever is in the best shape to start&apos; - Sergio Conceicao on Mexico star Santiago Giménez’s diminishing role at AC Milan

Next matches