Report: Allegri to bench Silva

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri will rest defender Thiago Silva for their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg, according to a report.

Tuttosport reported Milan are likely to travel to Juventus with Silva in line for a spot on the bench, as they aim to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the opening leg at San Siro.

The Brazil international has been a key player for Milan in the 2011-12 campaign, but Allegri supposedly will opt to leave him out of the starting line-up as he feels the upcoming Champions League and Serie A games are of higher importance.

With Silva likely to start Tuesday’s encounter from the bench, Allegri is expected to give veteran defender Mario Yepes the chance to prove his worth alongside Philippe Mexes.

Meanwhile, it is still not 100 per cent certain whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will feature at Juventus Stadium.

The towering attacker complained about a cold on Monday, and will make a decision about his availability later on Tuesday.