Sassuolo Stun Milan 2-0 at Mapei Stadium, Deepening Rossoneri's Goal Drought

Key facts

• Sassuolo defeated AC Milan 2-0 at Mapei Stadium on matchday 35 of Serie A.
• AC Milan have scored only one goal in their last four games, with the last goal by midfielder Adrien Rabiot against Verona.
• Milan's goal average dropped from 1.64 per game in the first 25 matches to 0.78 in the last nine.
• Christopher Nkunku started alongside Rafael Leao, replacing Christian Pulisic, but neither has scored since December 28 and early February respectively.
• Sassuolo's lineup featured Turati in goal; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemović, Garcia in defense; Koné, Matić, Thorstvedt in midfield; and Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté up front.
• AC Milan's starting XI included Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupiñan; Leão, Nkunku.
• Milan remain third with 67 points, while Sassuolo hold ninth place with 49 points.

A Defeat That Exposes Milan's Attacking Crisis

AC Milan's struggles in front of goal reached a new low on Sunday as they fell 2-0 to Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium, extending a worrying run that has seen the Rossoneri score just once in their last four Serie A outings. The result, which came on matchday 35, leaves Massimiliano Allegri's side stuck on 67 points in third place, while Sassuolo climbed to 49 points in ninth. The defeat was not an isolated setback but the latest symptom of a systemic offensive malaise. Milan have now gone four games without a win, and their goal drought has become the defining narrative of their season's final stretch. The last goal came from midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who netted the winner against Verona — a reminder that the team's forwards have gone completely blank.

Allegri's Tactical Gamble Fails to Pay Off

In an attempt to break the cycle, Allegri made a notable change to his starting lineup, fielding Christopher Nkunku alongside Rafael Leao instead of Christian Pulisic. The American winger had started the previous three games without success, and his last goal dates back to December 28. Nkunku, whose most recent goal came in early February, was hoped to inject unpredictability into the attack. Yet the switch yielded no improvement. Milan's forwards remained toothless, and the team managed only a handful of clear chances. The decision underscored Allegri's desperation as he searches for a solution to a problem that has deepened over the past nine matches.

Numbers Paint a Stark Picture of Decline

The statistical contrast between Milan's first half of the season and their recent form is stark. Over the first 25 games, the Rossoneri averaged 1.64 goals per match, a rate that placed them among Serie A's more prolific sides. In the last nine games, that figure has plummeted to 0.78 goals per game — a drop of more than half. That decline has coincided with a broader slump in form. Milan have now gone four matches without a victory, and their strikers have failed to find the net in any of those games. The drought has put pressure on Allegri, who must now find a way to revive an attack that has lost its cutting edge at the worst possible time.

Sassuolo Capitalize on Milan's Misfortune

Sassuolo, coached by Fabio Grosso, took full advantage of Milan's struggles. Their lineup featured a 4-3-3 formation with Turati in goal, a back four of Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemović, and Garcia, a midfield trio of Koné, Matić, and Thorstvedt, and a forward line of Berardi, Nzola, and Laurienté. The hosts scored twice in the second half to seal a comfortable victory. For Sassuolo, the win was a statement of intent. Sitting ninth, they have quietly built a solid season, and this result against a Champions League-chasing side will boost their confidence. Milan, meanwhile, were left to rue another missed opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.

Champions League Hopes Hanging by a Thread

With four games remaining in the season, Milan's hold on a top-four place is precarious. They currently occupy the third and final automatic Champions League qualification spot, but their recent form has eroded the buffer. The top four positions guarantee a place in Europe's premier competition, while fifth place offers only Europa League football. Allegri's side must now regroup quickly. Their next fixture will be critical, as any further slip-ups could allow teams below them to close the gap. The attacking issues, however, show no signs of abating, and the manager faces a race against time to restore his team's confidence in front of goal.

The Road Ahead: A Test of Resilience

Milan's season is at a crossroads. The goal drought has exposed deeper problems in the team's offensive structure, and Allegri's tactical adjustments have yet to yield results. The decision to bench Pulisic in favor of Nkunku was a clear signal that the coach is willing to experiment, but the lack of impact from either player suggests the issue is systemic. As the season enters its final weeks, Milan must find a way to rediscover their scoring touch. The alternative is a slide down the table and a missed opportunity to secure Champions League football. For now, the Rossoneri are left to reflect on a defeat that laid bare their most glaring weakness.

The bottom line

• AC Milan have scored only one goal in their last four Serie A matches, with no goals from forwards.
• Milan's goal average dropped from 1.64 per game in the first 25 matches to 0.78 in the last nine.
• Christopher Nkunku started instead of Christian Pulisic but failed to break the drought; neither has scored since December or February respectively.
• Sassuolo's 2-0 win at Mapei Stadium leaves Milan third with 67 points, while Sassuolo sit ninth with 49 points.
• Massimiliano Allegri faces a critical challenge to revive his team's attack with four games remaining in the season.