Allegri backs Christian Pulisic but is set to bench him for Sassuolo as Milan tweak attack

Who, what, when and why it matters: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri publicly defended Christian Pulisic’s qualities this week even as the United States international endures a prolonged scoring drought. Despite that vote of confidence, Italian outlet Sky Italia says Pulisic is likely to be named on the bench for Milan’s Serie A match at Sassuolo on May 2, 2026, with Christopher Nkunku expected to partner Rafael Leao in the starting attack. The selection decision matters because Milan are navigating a delicate run of form and every change to the forward line could influence the club’s push in the closing fixtures.

Allegri offers public backing amid Pulisic’s drought

Allegri addressed Pulisic’s loss of goals this week and insisted the American remains an important player for Milan. According to the report, Allegri acknowledged that a scoring drought has affected Pulisic personally — saying the player is “very sensitive” and that not scoring “affects him more.” Allegri also framed the issue within broader tactical constraints, noting the team has lacked a traditional centre-forward at times and that Pulisic has been deployed into roles that suit him less.

Tactical reasons behind selection shift

The World Soccer Talk summary says Allegri blamed part of Pulisic’s struggles on Milan’s setup, in which an absence of a conventional centre-forward has pushed wide or inside forwards into unfamiliar responsibilities. That tactical imbalance is presented as one factor in Milan’s reduced attacking output this season; the same source notes Milan have scored multiple goals in only five matches so far in 2026, underlining a wider creativity issue beyond a single player.

• Allegri publicly defended Christian Pulisic, calling him an important player for AC Milan.
• Pulisic has not scored since December 2025 and has registered one assist in that period, per the report.
• Allegri said Pulisic is affected by his goalscoring drought and noted tactical usage — including the absence of a centre‑forward — has limited him.
• Sky Italia reports Pulisic is expected to be on the bench for the Sassuolo match; Christopher Nkunku is likely to start alongside Rafael Leao.
• Milan’s attacking output has dipped, with multiple-goal matches occurring infrequently in 2026, according to the article.

Implications for Milan’s remaining fixtures

If Allegri does start Nkunku with Leao and leave Pulisic to impact the match from the bench, it would be a tactical tweak aimed at regaining balance in the final third while giving Pulisic a chance to reset in a lower-pressure role. The decision also signals clear competition for starting places, with selections in the coming weeks potentially decisive as Milan chase their season objectives.

What happens next: The report cites Sky Italia’s expected lineup for the Sassuolo game; an official team sheet or confirmation from AC Milan will be needed to verify the final selection. Readers should watch for the club’s matchday announcement and Allegri’s full press-conference transcript for definitive confirmation of the starting XI and any further comments on Pulisic’s role.