A draw worth one point, but it weighs on the mood
AC Milan picks up a valuable point in the race for Champions League qualification, but the draw against Juventus leaves a feeling that is hard to shake: a lingering bitter aftertaste, a performance that failed to set pulses racing. The match was in some ways predictable — both sides had every incentive to stay compact and avoid the risk of defeat — but that is no reason for the Rossoneri faithful to settle for mediocrity.
Intensity was lacking, the desire to press forward in attack was only visible in flashes, and the overriding feeling is that more was possible, that the team could have been bolder without necessarily opening up dangerous spaces for the opposition.
Pulisic in crisis: 16 games without a goal, Allegri points to the system
In his post-match comments, Massimiliano Allegri turned the spotlight onto Christian Pulisic: the Milan coach highlighted how the American forward is being held back by the current tactical system. A significant statement, one that acknowledges a genuine problem in the form of the US international attacker.
But honest analysis demands a broader view: Pulisic has now gone 16 consecutive matches without scoring — a staggering slump for a player who, earlier in the season, was among the most exciting performers in all of Serie A. Such an inconsistent run inevitably spreads the responsibility between the tactical system and the coach’s choices on one side, and the player’s own mental and physical condition on the other.
The state of Milan’s attacking department will certainly be one of the central issues the club must address ahead of next season. Based on what this campaign has shown, all five of the squad’s forwards have underperformed to varying degrees, making a deep reflection on the summer transfer window unavoidable.
Gabbia: the cornerstone of Italy’s best defence
If there is one absolute certainty in Milan’s end-of-season picture, his name is Matteo Gabbia. The Italian central defender has been one of the most reliable members of the entire squad, and the numbers back it up beyond any doubt: since the Busto Arsizio-born centre-back became a regular starter, Milan have conceded just 27 goals in 34 matches, confirming themselves as the best defence in Serie A.
What’s more, when Gabbia plays, Milan’s points-per-game average rises considerably. His presence brings solidity, organisation and confidence to the entire backline — a stat that firmly establishes the number thirteen as a key figure for next season as well.
Unfortunately, having Italy’s best defence has not been enough to compete at the very top this year: Milan sit third in the table, well off the title race. It is a paradox that demands serious, constructive reflection: to return to fighting for the championship, the attacking phase must be rebuilt to match the ambitions of a club that aims to win. And the Rossoneri absolutely have the quality to do exactly that.
