The pre-season often serves as a tactical sandbox for football clubs, a period where coaches experiment with formations and player roles, sometimes out of curiosity, other times out of sheer necessity. For AC Milan, their recent friendly against Arsenal in Singapore offered an intriguing glimpse into the latter, with American star Christian Pulisic taking on a surprisingly advanced role.
As the Rossoneri kicked off their 2025-26 pre-season campaign, losing 1-0 to an Arsenal side buoyed by Bukayo Saka`s decisive goal, the scoreboard was hardly the headline. All eyes were on the tactical adjustments made by the returning maestro, Massimiliano Allegri, particularly his deployment of Christian Pulisic in an unfamiliar, yet potentially defining, position.
A Striker`s Unexpected Debut
Pulisic, widely known for his prowess as a winger, found himself operating as a striker in a 3-5-2 formation, partnered with the dynamic Rafael Leao during the first half. This wasn`t merely a fleeting thought from Allegri; it was a calculated move born from a very practical challenge: Milan`s current scarcity of natural number nines. With both Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham departing after their contracts expired, and young Lorenzo Colombo earmarked for a loan spell (and rested for this match), the attacking roster was noticeably thin. Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican striker, is yet to rejoin the squad, leaving a void at the tip of Milan`s attack. Faced with this immediate need, Allegri opted for innovation over inaction.
The Tactical Chessboard: Pulisic as a False Nine?
The experiment offered several fascinating dimensions. Pulisic, despite his unfamiliar central role, frequently drifted to the left side of the attack, his natural habitat, registering 34 touches primarily in that zone. This dynamic movement suggests a hybrid role, blurring the lines between a traditional striker, a false nine, and an attacking midfielder. It`s a testament to Pulisic`s inherent versatility, a trait that has seen him adapt across various attacking positions throughout his career. Perhaps, Allegri envisions him not just as a goal threat, but as a facilitator, drawing defenders and creating space for Leao, who appeared remarkably comfortable with the freedom afforded by this new setup.
While Pulisic didn`t manage a shot on target in his 45 minutes, early impressions can be deceiving. The value of such an experiment in pre-season lies not in immediate statistical returns, but in the exploration of new tactical avenues. It allows a coach to understand the limits and potential of his squad, especially when a lack of personnel forces a creative hand. This might well be a temporary solution until a new striker is signed or Gimenez returns, but the seed of this tactical concept has been planted in Allegri`s mind.
Allegri`s Verdict and Milan`s Aspirations
Speaking after the match, Allegri offered his customary measured assessment. He expressed satisfaction with Leao`s performance and the team`s overall effort against a formidable opponent, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “When we lose, even in a friendly, I`m never completely happy, but now it`s important to prepare well for the rest of the season. And it should be noted that we were facing one of the strongest teams in Europe. For sixty minutes, we played on par with them,” he remarked, characteristic of a coach who understands the long game.
“For sixty minutes, we played on par with them.”
— Massimiliano Allegri
For AC Milan, the upcoming season will be a demanding one. With no European competitions to distract them after failing to qualify last campaign, their focus will be squarely on domestic glory – the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. The overriding objective, unequivocally, is a return to Champions League football. Every tactical decision, every pre-season experiment, including Pulisic`s unexpected stint as a striker, is a step towards achieving that primary goal.
What Lies Ahead?
The friendly itself concluded with a somewhat unusual penalty shootout, which Milan won 6-5. The hero of the night in Singapore was young Italian goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, whose three crucial saves underscored the unpredictable nature of pre-season football. As Milan now prepares for another challenging friendly against Liverpool, the discussion around Christian Pulisic`s evolving role will undoubtedly continue. Will this striker experiment become a permanent fixture, or merely a fleeting pre-season novelty? Only time, and Allegri`s ever-calculating mind, will tell. For Pulisic, it`s just another chapter in a career defined by adaptability, proving once again that the American maestro is always ready for his next act, wherever on the pitch that may be.
