Handshake Between Leao and Pulisic: Allegri Restores Dressing Room Unity
Calm has returned to Milanello. Following the tensions that surfaced during the match against Lazio, Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic cleared the air on Wednesday, March 18th at the Rossoneri training ground, sealing their reconciliation with a handshake. The key figure behind the mediation was Massimiliano Allegri, once again proving decisive in managing the squad dynamics.
The Video Session That Opened the Dialogue
Before the afternoon training session, the coaching staff organized a video analysis session focused on the first-half struggles against Lazio: lost individual duels, an overly stretched defensive shape, and too many spaces conceded to the opposition. During this review, Allegri pointed out to the American winger that on at least a couple of occasions he could have found the Portuguese forward, who was making runs on the edge of the offside line in dangerous positions.
The manager also noted that other teammates, including Saelemaekers, could have delivered better service to Leao in certain phases of play.
Leao Acknowledges the Outburst but Asks for Better Support
The Portuguese star reportedly admitted he went too far with his reaction upon being substituted against Lazio. The number ten is well aware that, as one of the most prominent players in the squad — at Milan for seven seasons and among the highest earners — every gesture he makes inevitably attracts intense scrutiny.
At the same time, Leao reiterated his belief that the match could have gone differently had he received better service in the final third, not just from Pulisic but from the attacking unit as a whole.
Now the Pitch Must Tell the Story: Torino as the Proving Ground
The handshake is undoubtedly a positive signal, but now the real test comes on the pitch. Leao and Pulisic have started together in the last four matches, and their connection within Allegri’s 3-5-2 system has yet to reach the expected fluidity. The upcoming clash against Torino represents the perfect opportunity to show that this reconciliation has translated into real on-field chemistry.
When two players of this caliber find each other consistently, Milan become a side capable of hurting anyone. It is only a matter of time and daily work, and with an experienced manager like Allegri at the helm, all the ingredients for a breakthrough are firmly on the Rossoneri’s side.
