Allegri Drops Pulisic as Milan Seek Goals at Sassuolo in Champions League Push

Key facts

• Milan have scored one goal in the last four matches, with the last coming from midfielder Adrien Rabiot against Verona.
• Christian Pulisic has not scored since December 28 and has gone 16 games without a goal, equaling his longest career drought.
• Milan's goal average has dropped from 1.64 per game in the first 25 matches to 0.78 per game in the last nine.
• Massimiliano Allegri is expected to start Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao upfront, dropping Pulisic.
• Milan sit third in Serie A with four games left, six points ahead of fifth-placed Roma and Como.
• Sassuolo are 11th with 23 points from their last 13 matches, comfortably safe from relegation.
• Milan are unbeaten in eight away games against Sassuolo, winning six at the Mapei Stadium.
• The reverse fixture in December ended 2-2, and Sassuolo have lost only two of the last eight league meetings.

A Season Hanging in the Balance

AC Milan arrive at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday afternoon needing points to secure a top-four finish, yet their attack has all but dried up. After a goalless draw with Juventus last weekend ended their faint Scudetto hopes, the Rossoneri now face a battle to hold off Como and Roma, who trail by six points with four games remaining. Massimiliano Allegri's side have scored just one goal in their last four matches, a winner from midfielder Adrien Rabiot against Hellas Verona. The drought has prompted a tactical shake-up: Christopher Nkunku is set to start alongside Rafael Leao, with Christian Pulisic dropped to the bench.

Pulisic's Deepening Slump

Christian Pulisic has not found the net since December 28, a run of 16 consecutive games without a goal that matches the longest negative streak of his career, set during his time at Chelsea. The American winger, who starred in the first half of the season, has started the last three matches but failed to make an impact. His decline mirrors the team's broader offensive struggles. Milan averaged 1.64 goals per game over the first 25 Serie A fixtures, but that figure has plummeted to 0.78 in the last nine. The Rossoneri are taking 13.3 shots per game under Allegri, their second-lowest average in any campaign over the past 20 seasons.

Allegri's Tactical Gamble

To break the deadlock, Allegri is testing a new front pairing of Nkunku and Leao. Nkunku's last goal came in early February, but the hope is that his movement and unpredictability will create more chances than the stagnant attack of recent weeks. Leao, too, has seen a worrying decline in form, contributing to the team's diminished output. The pragmatic approach that has defined Allegri's second spell at Milan has yielded back-to-back clean sheets, bringing the season total to 15 from 34 games — the most at this stage since his first tenure in 2012. Yet the defensive solidity has come at the cost of attacking fluency, leaving Milan to limp toward the finish line.

Sassuolo's Freedom and Form

Sassuolo, by contrast, can play without pressure. The Emilian club, promoted as Serie B champions last season, have already secured their top-flight status with a run of 23 points from their last 13 matches — a haul that would rank fifth over that period. They sit 11th and are targeting a top-half finish. Their recent form includes a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina, and they have lost only two of the last eight league meetings with Milan. In December's reverse fixture, Sassuolo fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at San Siro, a result that underscored their resilience against the Rossoneri.

Historical Edge Meets Present Reality

Milan boast an impressive away record against Sassuolo, undefeated in eight visits and winning six times at the Mapei Stadium over the past decade. However, that history offers little comfort given the current trajectory. The Rossoneri have often struggled to beat Sassuolo at home, and the hosts' confidence is high after a strong second half of the season. With four games left, Milan's Champions League berth is far from secure. Como and Roma are just six points behind, and any further slip-ups could prove costly. The match on Sunday is not merely about three points; it is about restoring belief in a team that has lost its cutting edge.

What Lies Ahead

Allegri's decision to drop Pulisic may provide a short-term spark, but deeper questions remain about Milan's ability to generate goals consistently. The Rossoneri have kept clean sheets in their last two outings, yet the attacking malaise has persisted for nine matchdays. If Nkunku and Leao fail to click, the pressure will mount on a squad that has already seen its title dreams evaporate. For Sassuolo, a top-half finish would cap a remarkable return to Serie A. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain, making them a dangerous opponent for a Milan side that can no longer afford to draw.

The bottom line

• Milan have scored only one goal in their last four Serie A matches, and their goal average has halved since the first half of the season.
• Christian Pulisic has gone 16 games without a goal, equaling his worst drought, and has been dropped for Christopher Nkunku.
• Allegri's tactical shift pairs Nkunku with Rafael Leao in an attempt to revive a misfiring attack.
• Sassuolo are in strong form, with 23 points from 13 games, and have lost only two of the last eight meetings with Milan.
• Milan sit third but are only six points clear of fifth place with four games remaining, making every point crucial.
• The match at the Mapei Stadium pits a free-playing Sassuolo against a Milan side desperate to secure Champions League football.