The dawn of a new football season often brings with it a fascinating blend of expectation, uncertainty, and the occasional tactical curveball. For AC Milan, their recent preseason friendly against Arsenal in Singapore served as an early indicator not just of physical readiness, but of intriguing strategic shifts. While the 1-0 defeat to a Bukayo Saka strike might seem inconsequential on the scoresheet, the true narrative emerged from a surprising positional deployment: American star Christian Pulisic playing as a striker.
The Striker Switch: A Calculated Gambit
Under the returning tutelage of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, a departure from their more familiar setups of recent years. Eyebrows were collectively raised when Pulisic, predominantly known for his roles as a right or left winger, found himself operating alongside Rafael Leao at the spearhead of the attack. This wasn`t merely a casual rotation; it was a deliberate tactical test, a glimpse into Allegri`s `mad scientist` approach to problem-solving.
Pulisic featured for the entire first half before being substituted, registering 34 touches primarily on the left side of the attack – a more natural zone for him despite his recent deployment on the right flank at Milan. While he didn`t manage a shot on target, his movement and involvement in link-up play provided initial insights into his adaptability.
Why the Positional Play? Allegri`s Immediate Conundrum
The rationale behind this unexpected move is rooted in AC Milan`s current striker situation. With Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham having departed after their contracts expired, the Rossoneri find themselves short of a traditional number nine. Young striker Lorenzo Colombo is slated for a loan spell, and Mexican forward Santiago Gimenez is yet to rejoin the squad, leaving a temporary void.
Allegri, ever the pragmatist, clearly needed to explore stop-gap solutions and evaluate the versatility within his existing squad. Deploying Pulisic upfront was less about a permanent change and more about assessing the immediate capabilities of his attacking personnel. This approach allowed Leao, known for his dynamic runs, to roam with greater freedom, potentially enhancing his overall impact without the immediate burden of a fixed defensive responsibility.
Tactical Nuances and Future Implications
This preseason experiment, though brief, offers several intriguing layers:
- Pulisic`s Versatility: It underscores Pulisic`s tactical intelligence and willingness to adapt. His ability to operate in a `hybrid` role, blending aspects of a number 10 behind a central striker with movements out to the left, could make him an invaluable asset.
- Leao`s Enhanced Freedom: By providing a partner, even a non-traditional one, Leao appeared more comfortable, unburdened by the sole responsibility of leading the line. This could unlock new dimensions to his already formidable game.
- Allegri`s Philosophy: The move exemplifies Allegri`s reputation for tactical flexibility. His willingness to try unconventional solutions, even in a friendly, speaks volumes about his focus on optimizing player strengths within the chosen system. As he commented post-match, while never fully happy with a loss, the performance against a top European side like Arsenal for sixty minutes was satisfying.
While a preseason friendly result is hardly cause for panic or celebration, these tactical trials are crucial. They provide coaches with data and observations that inform decisions for the demanding season ahead. For Milan, who will focus solely on domestic competitions—Serie A and Coppa Italia—after failing to qualify for European tournaments last season, achieving Champions League qualification is the paramount objective.
The Road Ahead for the Rossoneri
AC Milan`s preseason continues with another high-profile friendly against Liverpool. The outcomes of these matches, while not dictating league standings, are vital for refining tactics, building squad cohesion, and integrating new ideas. The fascinating subplot of Pulisic`s evolving role will undoubtedly be a key area of observation for fans and analysts alike, perhaps even catching the eye of the USMNT coaching staff as they contemplate their own attacking options.
The 2025-26 season promises to be a challenging yet intriguing journey for AC Milan. With a returning tactical alchemist at the helm and a squad brimming with talent, including a potentially re-imagined Christian Pulisic, the Rossoneri are clearly not afraid to experiment in their pursuit of success. And sometimes, it`s in these early, seemingly low-stakes experiments that the seeds of a truly revolutionary season are sown.