Massimiliano Allegri stated that AC Milan can feel satisfied with the point earned against Juventus. He acknowledged that Christian Pulisic is sensitive to his goal drought and cautioned that Rafael Leao is unlikely to ever achieve consistent performance levels.
The Rossoneri may have prioritized maintaining a safe distance from Juventus in third place over catching up to Napoli in second, a sentiment that was evident in the tactical stalemate at the San Siro. Despite a few opportunities, including Alexis Saelemaekers hitting the crossbar and a disallowed goal by Khephren Thuram for offside, Milan has now failed to score in their last six consecutive Serie A encounters with Juventus.
Allegri views the draw as a positive for Milan
Allegri described the match as a highly balanced and tactical affair with significant stakes. He noted that both teams had scoring opportunities.
“Juve has considerable depth with players who can come off the bench and take on opponents on the wings, but my players defended exceptionally well, with the exception of one cross that David failed to head clear,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“We can be content with the point, as it allows us to take another small step forward. We are now mathematically only six points away from securing our objective, which means winning two games,” he added.
“The draw was a fair result; these are closely contested matches where a single incident can alter the outcome, and it was a just conclusion.”
When questioned about his visible frustration on the touchline regarding counter-attacks conceded by his players, Allegri chuckled.
“We conceded three goals against Udinese without even realizing it, all from counter-attacks. Today, we lost possession dangerously two or three times, but the lads did well to defend when chasing back. However, I wish our passing and timing were more precise to finish our moves.”
Luka Modric was substituted after a severe head clash with Manuel Locatelli and appeared somewhat dazed on the sidelines.
The forward partnership of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic has continued to offer little advantage to either player in the 3-5-2 formation. Niclas Fullkrug was introduced to replace the USMNT star, injecting a genuine number 9 into the attack.
“I believe Rafa played well tonight; it was one of his best performances this season. Considering his assists and goals, he has contributed this term, but you cannot expect a player like him to be exceptionally consistent. He has never been, not even four or five years ago, because he shines at the opportune moments,” Allegri insisted.
“He contributed defensively today and displayed a good attitude. He had moments of acceleration, which he has struggled with recently due to fitness issues. He took on Bremer and pulled the ball back, so it was one of his better performances.”
Meanwhile, Pulisic has matched his worst-ever goalless streak, failing to score in 16 consecutive matches, mirroring his run at Chelsea in 2022, and has yet to score a goal in 2026.
“Christian is a very sensitive individual, and this drought is affecting him more profoundly. He also struggles more with the physicality of duels and the absence of a central forward, but I must strive to bring balance to this team, as we have an objective to achieve,” Allegri explained.
“I understand he is not entirely suited to this role. I asked him to play on the right flank tonight and Leao on the left, so we lacked a central forward. Rest assured, Pulisic will make his contribution by the end of the season,” Allegri assured.
“Ultimately, results are measured by points, and now we need six points rather than seven to secure a Champions League spot. We must now prepare well for Sassuolo and improve our technical play.”