Milan vs Juventus 0-0: A Draw That Weighs Like a Defeat
AC Milan and Juventus share the spoils in a goalless draw that leaves a bitter taste for Rossoneri supporters. A match poor in emotion and almost entirely devoid of clear-cut chances, with the only attacking spark from Milan coming via a post and crossbar struck by Saelemaekers. For the rest, total silence from a forward line that appears to have completely lost its way to goal.
The result, in some ways, faithfully mirrors recent weeks: Milan collect points thanks to their defensive solidity — the best defence in the league — but struggle enormously to create play and chances in the opposition half. In their last two matches, the Rossoneri have gathered four points, but with just a single goal to their name: Rabiot‘s winner against Verona.
The Numbers of a Crisis: Milan’s Forwards Have Gone Too Long Without Scoring
The statistics paint a stark picture of Milan’s attacking malaise. Christian Pulisic has now gone 16 consecutive matches without scoring — a worrying negative record for a player who, just months ago, was among Serie A’s most prolific. Rafael Leão hasn’t scored in two months, Christopher Nkunku in three months, Niclas Füllkrug in four months, and Santiago Giménez for roughly a year.
This is not a crisis affecting one individual — it engulfs the entire department, calling into question tactical decisions, squad management and transfer planning. When five attackers simultaneously go through such a difficult spell, responsibility must be sought at multiple levels.
Allegri Admits: «Pulisic Out of Position, He Needs a Centre-Forward»
One of the evening’s most significant admissions came from head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who openly acknowledged that Pulisic is suffering from his tactical placement within Milan’s system. The 3-5-2 deployed by the Rossoneri does not suit the American, who by nature needs a reference striker beside him.
Allegri also highlighted the player’s great sensitivity, a factor that is influencing the mental block the former Chelsea man is currently experiencing. But beyond individual psychology, the tactical and structural issue remains: without a quality centre-forward, Pulisic simply cannot perform at his best. And that, ultimately, is a problem rooted in transfer decisions.
The Transfer Question: Why Wasn’t a Centre-Forward Signed?
The question hanging over the Rossoneri camp is direct and uncomfortable: why was a striker not purchased in January? If Allegri himself admits that Pulisic needs an attacking reference point, and if the same issue was evident for months, the failure to address it in the winter window is hard to justify.
Füllkrug, the summer signing intended to bolster the attack, has not managed to establish himself: the German striker has found neither consistency nor incisiveness, falling short of expectations. With Santiago Giménez far from his best, Milan find themselves without a genuine focal point in attack capable of making the difference when it matters.
Leão: The Number 10 Searching for His Lost Spark
A separate chapter must be dedicated to Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward, who once had San Siro falling in love with his acceleration and dribbling in full flow, seems to have lost his brightness and confidence. He can no longer beat his man with his customary ease, his surging runs have vanished and his shots rarely find the target. The only bright note against Juventus was a layoff for Saelemaekers, who however couldn’t find the decisive touch.
Leão’s talent is beyond doubt and Rossoneri fans know full well what he is capable of: faith in him remains firm, with the hope that the remaining games of the season — short as the run-in may be — can reignite his spark.
The Table: Six Points from Champions League, the Target Is Still Alive
Despite the attacking difficulties, Milan sit just six points away from the Champions League places, with four matches still to play and therefore 12 points still available. The mathematics remain in their favour, and should Roma and Napoli drop points in the coming rounds, the Rossoneri have every reason to believe they can reach their seasonal objective.
Defensive solidity remains Allegri’s reliable foundation: conceding few goals allows Milan to stay in contention even when the attack misfires. But to aspire to greater ambitions next season, that same attacking department will need a deep and thorough overhaul.
The closing stretch of this campaign is an opportunity to finish on a high note despite an imperfect journey: fourth place would still be a concrete result, and Milan have the quality to get there. With the right mindset and a defence that never lets them down, the Rossoneri can still find reasons to smile before the curtain falls.
