Allegri tests Nkunku-Leao front pair as Pulisic faces Milan benching
Quick summary
AC Milan are testing a new attacking partnership of Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao ahead of the Serie A match against Sassuolo, with Christian Pulisic dropped in training. The change follows Milan's scoring struggles and Pulisic's 16-game goal drought in 2026.
Full article
Attributed to OneFootballMax Allegri is trying to revitalise his Milan side against Sassuolo by testing Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao upfront, dropping misfiring Christian Pulisic.
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The Serie A Week 35 fixture is set to kick off at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (15.00 CEST).
The Rossoneri were able to hang on to third place following the 0-0 draw with Juventus, but the lack of firepower is becoming an increasing concern.
Pulisic is yet to score a single goal in 2026 and has now equalled the longest negative streak of his career , set previously at Chelsea, of 16 games.
Milan pair Nkunku with Leao MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) With this in mind, Sky Sport Italia report that Allegri dropped the USMNT forward and tested out a new front pairing of Leao and Nkunku.
This would allow him to maintain the 3-5-2 formation, with using strikers who have different characteristics and might work better together.
Some changes are forced, as Luka Modric is out for the rest of the club season after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, so Ardon Jashari steps into the midfield gap.
Pervis Estupinan and Davide Bartesaghi are once again the big doubt for the left flank, as the Italian is not 100 per cent fit.
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What happened
Reports from Sky Sport Italia say Massimiliano Allegri has trialled Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku together in attack for Milan's upcoming trip to Sassuolo. The switch would keep Milan in a 3-5-2 shape while leaving Christian Pulisic out after an extended scoring slump. Milan recently drew 0-0 with Juventus and concerns over their lack of attacking output are growing. The article also notes that Luka Modric is out for the rest of the club season after surgery, with Ardon Jashari expected to fill in, while left-sided fitness issues remain unresolved.
Chance analysis
This matters because it points to a potentially meaningful pre-match attacking reshuffle rather than routine rotation. Pulisic's removal signals that Milan's current frontline setup is under review, and any chemistry between Nkunku and Leao could alter Milan's chance creation profile. Modric's absence also weakens midfield control, so the tactical adjustment may be partly compensatory rather than purely aggressive.
Milan are likely to enter the Sassuolo match with a reshaped attack, boosting uncertainty around their usual attacking hierarchy.
Treat this as a probable Milan lineup and tactical change that could shift attacking roles and reduce confidence in Pulisic-related expectations.