In the peculiar world of football preseasons, where formations are as fluid as a summer cocktail and player positions are mere suggestions, AC Milan offered up a particularly intriguing blend. American star Christian Pulisic, typically a winger, was deployed as a striker, sparking immediate questions about his evolving role and the club`s strategy for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The Rossoneri`s first friendly match of the season, a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Singapore, might seem inconsequential on paper. However, for keen observers, the true story wasn`t the scoreline, but the audacious tactical experiment undertaken by manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has reportedly made his much-anticipated comeback to the Italian club this summer.
The Striker Surprise: Pulisic Upfront
Pulisic, often celebrated for his dynamism on the flanks, found himself leading the line alongside Rafael Leao in Allegri`s chosen 3-5-2 formation during the first half. This wasn`t merely a casual rotation; it was a clear positional shift for a player whose natural habitat is usually much wider. He lasted 45 minutes before being replaced by Noah Okafor.
The reasoning behind this unconventional move appears rooted in practicality. AC Milan is currently navigating a void in their central attacking options. With both Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham having departed after their contracts expired, and promising young striker Lorenzo Colombo expected to leave on loan, a genuine number nine is conspicuously absent from the roster. Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez is yet to join the squad, leaving a temporary tactical vacuum.
Allegri, ever the pragmatist, seemingly opted to test the waters with two natural wingers in attacking roles. Pulisic, positioned on the left side of the attack, managed 34 touches in the first half, mostly in his preferred territory. While a shot on target eluded him, the experiment offered glimpses of potential, particularly in how it influenced his strike partner.
Unlocking Leao, Unveiling Pulisic?
One notable byproduct of Pulisic`s new role was the apparent freedom it afforded Rafael Leao. Playing alongside a partner, even a makeshift one, allowed the Portuguese winger to roam with fewer defensive shackles, potentially enhancing his already formidable offensive output. The thought of Leao playing next to a more traditional center-forward only amplifies the anticipation of what he could achieve.
For Pulisic himself, this was a novel experience. While he has previously operated as a right or left winger, and occasionally in a supporting number 10 role, a pure striker position is uncharted territory. His new remit seems to be a hybrid: part advanced playmaker, part left-sided attacker, weaving between traditional forward duties and his more familiar wide incursions. It`s too early to draw definitive conclusions, but the seed of a new tactical possibility has certainly been planted in Allegri`s mind.
Speaking after the match, Allegri commented on the performances, stating: “Leao put in an excellent performance, just like all the other players. I`m satisfied with him. When we lose, even in a friendly, I`m never completely happy, but now it`s important to prepare well for the rest of the season. And it should be noted that we were facing one of the strongest teams in Europe. For sixty minutes, we played on par with them.”
A Season of Redirection for the Rossoneri
The upcoming season promises to be a challenging one for AC Milan. With no European competition to contend with, having failed to qualify last campaign, their focus will be squarely on domestic glory. Champions League qualification remains the paramount objective, making every tactical decision, even in preseason, critical.
Curiously, the friendly against Arsenal concluded with a penalty shootout despite a clear 1-0 result in regulation, which Milan won 6-5. Young Italian goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani emerged as the hero, saving three penalties, a delightful if somewhat irrelevant footnote to the main tactical narrative.
The Rossoneri are set to continue their preseason preparations with another demanding friendly against Liverpool. Whether Pulisic will once again lead the line remains to be seen, but the initial experiment has certainly ignited conversation and set a intriguing precedent for the season ahead.
