Allegri’s Take and Missed Finishes: Leao and Pulisic Put Under the Spotlight in Milan’s Draw at Juventus

Match Recap

Massimiliano Allegri, Milan’s head coach, expressed disappointment after a goalless draw at Juventus in Week 6 of the Serie A season. It marked his first return to the Allianz Stadium as an opponent since leaving Juve in 2024, with Milan carving out several chances but failing to convert them into goals.

The game turned on a late penalty miss by Christian Pulisic, a reminder of Milan’s ongoing struggle to finish chances. Milan created multiple openings, but the finishing touch repeatedly eluded them as the clock wound down.

Penalties, Tactics, and Allegri’s Perspective

Allegri commented on the penalties situation: “I didn’t even see how Pulisic took the kick. Penalties are missed. We started the first half balanced; they closed spaces well while we moved the ball too slowly.” He added that “Christian is the regular penalty taker; you can’t switch takers after a mistake. We must decide who can take penalties when he’s not on the pitch.” The emotional return to Allianz Stadium as an opposing coach was noted as a moving moment, with Allegri acknowledging former colleagues who had supported him for years.

Allegri praised Leao’s movement and cited a well-timed pass from a teammate as a key factor in chances created, insisting that a player of Leao’s quality should convert such opportunities. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Rafael Leao fired narrowly wide from near the left post, sealing Milan’s disappointing miss.

On Pulisic, Allegri said the American delivered an outstanding display despite the penalty miss and highlighted teammates who could share the goalscoring burden when he isn’t available. He also referenced a moment involving a teammate’s run and a pass, stressing that such combinations are vital even if the final finish doesn’t arrive on this occasion.

Allegri also noted that Santiago Gimenez had played well and moved effectively on the ball, acknowledging the opponent’s efforts as part of a balanced contest. He emphasized the need for clinical finishing in the final third as Milan goalkeeper- or defender-level consistency can only carry a team so far.

Context and Standings

Milan, after six games, have one defeat and nine goals scored with three conceded, totaling 13 points and sitting third, two behind leaders Napoli. Juventus began with three straight wins (Parma, Genoa, and a dramatic 4-3 Derby d’Italia win over Inter) but have since drawn five consecutive matches across competitions. In Serie A, they have drawn with Verona and Atalanta, and most recently with Milan, leaving them fifth with 12 points, level with Inter but behind Napoli on goal difference.

Across six games, Juventus have three wins and three draws, with nine goals scored and five conceded. Milan’s form remains solid in third place, while Napoli leads the table. Allegri underscored the competitive balance, while acknowledging that finishing still needs work for both teams as they press ahead with the season.

Punchlines, because every match deserves a closer at the end: If goals were bullets, Milan would need a bigger magazine. And if finishing were an Olympic sport, Milan would be filing a complaint with the referee about deflated hopes and overinflated chances.