It was the news that was heard all around Milanello. When the Champions League squad was announced, there was a massive omission from Massimiliano Allegri’s list: Filippo Inzaghi. The veteran striker has been a fan favorite for many years and it has come to a real shock that the Italian striker has not been picked in this year’s Champions League 25-men roster. Rossoneri fans will never forget Inzaghi’s goal exploits, and in some way have come to rely on him as a powerful talisman in big nights such as the Champions League. In that regard, Inzaghi had never let the tifosi down and thus makes Allegri’s choice all the more traumatic for the fans.

What we must consider is that Inzaghi just turned 38 years old a month ago. Even in these advanced years however, there seems to be a blind faith in Inzaghi’s ability to deliver on the big nights and when we count on him the most. Indeed, many Rossoneri fans frustratingly grumbled that Milan would have progressed had Inzaghi been fit for the second leg tie against Tottenham. So powerful is the cult of Super Pippo, as he’s affectionately come to be nicknamed, I am sure much of the tifosi will be turning a worrying eye towards the substitute bench when Milan find themselves in the search of a goal during the upcoming European campaign.

Despite Inzaghi’s age, Allegri’s omission can be further justified even while considering the inclusions of the injured Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo. In effect, With Inzaghi’s injury prone status as of late, Allegri would have done well to avoid being short-manned in other areas of the pitch when the attack is already sufficient. The suspension of Gennaro Gattuso – following his high profile altercation with Joe Jordan – will also have been a consideration of Inzaghi’s omission in that respect. The rule of thumb also says that four strikers are required when going into Europe, and Inzaghi would be the fifth of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, and Antonio Cassano.

Allegri made a difficult decision, and recognizes as much: “I had to make a couple of tough choices for the UEFA Champions League list and Inzaghi and [Stephan] El Shaarawy were amongst those who missed the cut.” He nevertheless adds however: “I hope Pippo is back to his best by January so that I can add him then.” Allegri obviously made his decision based on the player’s fitness and current calf problem. After all, with an astonishing 70 Champions League goals (one behind record holding Raul) to his name, Inzaghi’s inclusion in the squad would have seemed an obvious one. However Allegri chose to not add an extra attacker so as to bolster the midfield with the late arrival of Antonio Nocerino. It is a decision I personally cannot say I disagree with. It also allows for a bit more breathing room [for Allegri] when in comes to rotating his attacking lineup. For now Inzaghi can be saved up exclusively for the domestic campaign as opposed to the Italian tactician feeling pressured to play the veteran in all big European games.