Allegri benches Pulisic as Milan's goal drought deepens ahead of Sassuolo clash

Key facts

• Milan have scored just one goal in their last four matches.
• The last goal was scored by midfielder Adrien Rabiot against Verona.
• Milan's goal average dropped from 1.64 per game in the first 25 games to 0.78 per game in the last nine.
• Christian Pulisic has not scored since December 28 and starts on the bench.
• Christopher Nkunku's last goal was in early February.
• Luka Modric is out for the season due to a cheekbone injury requiring surgery.
• Milan are five points ahead of fifth-placed Como with a game in hand.
• A win would draw Milan level on points with second-placed Napoli.

Allegri reshuffles attack as Milan's scoring crisis worsens

AC Milan's attacking woes have reached a critical point, prompting manager Massimiliano Allegri to make a significant change for today's fixture against Sassuolo. The Rossoneri have managed only one goal in their last four games, with their strikers failing to find the net entirely. That solitary strike came from midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who scored the winner against Verona. Allegri is expected to field Christopher Nkunku alongside Rafael Leao in attack, dropping Christian Pulisic to the bench. Pulisic, who was a standout performer in the first half of the season, has not scored since December 28 and has lost his form. Nkunku has not fared much better, with his last goal coming in early February, but the hope is that the change will inject unpredictability into Milan's forward line.

Goal averages plummet in stark contrast to earlier form

The statistical decline is stark. In the first 25 games of the season, Milan averaged 1.64 goals per game. Over the last nine matches, that average has fallen to just 0.78 goals per game. The drop-off highlights a systemic problem in the final third that Allegri has been unable to remedy with his usual lineup. The team's attacking struggles have coincided with a broader slump in results. Milan have won only two of their last five league games, putting their grip on a top-four place under pressure. They currently hold a five-point lead over fifth-placed Como, with a game in hand, but Juventus are just three points behind with only three matchdays remaining.

Modric out for season; Jashari steps into midfield

Milan will be without Luka Modric for the remainder of the season after the Croatian midfielder suffered a cheekbone injury that required surgery earlier this week. Modric's absence forces a reshuffle in central midfield, with Ardon Jashari taking his place in the starting lineup. Jashari partners Youssouf Fofana and Adrien Rabiot in a three-man midfield, while Theo Hernandez is replaced by Pervis Estupinan at left-back. The defensive line remains unchanged, with Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Alexis Saelemaekers starts on the right wing, with Leao and Nkunku leading the line.

Sassuolo welcome back Berardi from suspension

Sassuolo, sitting mid-table, will be boosted by the return of star winger Domenico Berardi, who has served a two-game ban. Berardi slots straight into the starting XI, joining Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Laurienté in attack. The home side will look to exploit Milan's defensive vulnerabilities and secure a result that could further complicate the Rossoneri's push for a Champions League spot. The match kicks off at 15:00 CET at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Milan's official lineup includes Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupinan; Leao, Nkunku. Sassuolo line up with Turati; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Matic, Koné; Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté.

Three points vital in tight race for top four

A win for Milan would draw them level on points with second-placed Napoli, underscoring the importance of this fixture. However, with Juventus breathing down their necks and only three games left after today, any slip-up could prove costly. Allegri's decision to bench Pulisic and rely on Leao and Nkunku reflects the urgency of the situation. The attacking duo must deliver if Milan are to break their goal drought and secure the points needed to maintain their position. The coming weeks will reveal whether this tactical shake-up can reignite a team that has lost its scoring touch at the worst possible time.

The bottom line

• Milan have scored only one goal in their last four games, with strikers failing to score.
• Goal average has dropped from 1.64 per game to 0.78 per game over the last nine matches.
• Christian Pulisic is benched after a goal drought since December 28; Nkunku and Leao start.
• Luka Modric is out for the season due to a cheekbone injury; Ardon Jashari replaces him.
• Domenico Berardi returns from a two-game ban for Sassuolo.
• A win would draw Milan level on points with Napoli, but Juventus are only three points behind with three games left.