The pre-season period in football is often characterized by cautious optimism, rigorous training, and, for coaches, a canvas for tactical experimentation. AC Milan’s initial foray into the 2025-26 pre-season delivered precisely that, albeit with a rather unexpected brushstroke: the deployment of American star Christian Pulisic in an unfamiliar striker role. While pre-season results are notoriously fleeting in significance – a polite nod to the 1-0 loss against Arsenal – the tactical setup involving Pulisic has certainly captured attention, raising questions about Massimiliano Allegri’s vision for the Rossoneri.
Allegri`s Return and Immediate Tactical Adjustments
The return of Massimiliano Allegri to the AC Milan dugout this summer has been a talking point in itself. Known for his pragmatic approach and tactical flexibility, Allegri wasted no time in showcasing his willingness to adapt. In the friendly against Arsenal in Singapore, Milan lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, a stark departure from the 4-3-3 seen in previous campaigns. This particular formation necessitated two forwards, and with a vacant number nine position, Pulisic found himself alongside the formidable Rafael Leao at the tip of the attack.
The Vacant Striker Conundrum: A Catalyst for Change
The decision to deploy Pulisic as a striker wasn`t born from a sudden revelation of hidden talents, but rather from a practical necessity. AC Milan`s sporting director, Igli Tare, is actively seeking a new central striker, following the departures of Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham whose contracts expired. Young striker Lorenzo Colombo was rested, and Santiago Gimenez was yet to return, leaving a void. This tactical vacuum presented Allegri with an opportunity for an intriguing experiment, leveraging his existing attacking options in novel ways.
Pulisic`s Performance: An Emerging Narrative?
During the first 45 minutes of the match, Pulisic operated primarily on the left side of the attack, a zone he is naturally comfortable with, despite his more recent deployment as a right winger at Milan. His 34 touches in the half underscored his involvement, even if he did not register a single shot. This might seem a curious statistic for a striker, but his role appeared to be more nuanced than a pure goalscorer. It suggested a blend of a traditional number ten, dropping deep and linking play, coupled with movements out wide to create space.
Crucially, this setup seemed to liberate Rafael Leao. With Pulisic occupying central defenders and creating passing lanes, Leao was afforded greater freedom to roam and exploit his formidable dribbling and pace without being burdened by defensive responsibilities. Allegri`s assessment of Leao`s “excellent performance” after the match implicitly supports this observation. The early indications suggest this partnership, or at least Pulisic`s role within it, could provide an avenue for enhancing Milan`s offensive fluidity.
Beyond the Friendly: What`s Next for Pulisic and Milan?
It`s important to approach pre-season tactical tests with a degree of analytical sobriety. While Pulisic`s performance showed promise in a multifaceted role, it remains an initial experiment. The arrival of a dedicated number nine would undoubtedly reshape Allegri`s preferred lineup. However, the trial demonstrates Allegri`s adaptive mindset and his willingness to consider players beyond their conventional positions when tactical advantages beckon.
For AC Milan, the upcoming season presents a distinct challenge. Without European competition after failing to qualify last campaign, the focus will be squarely on domestic success – the league title and the Coppa Italia – with Champions League qualification being the paramount objective. Every tactical permutation, every player`s versatility, will be scrutinized as Allegri fine-tunes his squad for a demanding campaign.
The friendly itself concluded with Milan winning a penalty shootout 6-5, thanks to the heroics of young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. While the match result is largely irrelevant, the tactical insights gained, particularly regarding Pulisic, are not. Whether this marks the permanent repositioning of a key player or simply a clever temporary solution born of necessity, only time, and perhaps a few more pre-season friendlies, will truly tell. The narrative of Pulisic, the unexpected striker, has certainly begun.
As the Rossoneri prepare for their next friendly against Liverpool, football aficionados will undoubtedly be watching closely. Will Pulisic continue to explore this uncharted territory, or will Allegri revert to type? In the grand theatre of tactical football, the pre-season is merely the opening act, and Pulisic`s intriguing new role has certainly set the stage for a compelling performance.
