A gritty 1-0 victory for AC Milan over Hellas Verona on April 19, 2026, might look like a standard result on paper, but for those watching closely, the real story was the struggle for rhythm in the final third. The match, held at the Stadio Bentegodi during Week 33 of the Serie A campaign, was less about the scoreline and more about whether Christian Pulisic could finally shake off a nightmare run of form. While the Rossoneri took the three points, the American winger's inability to find the net continues to be a glaring void in an attack that's gone cold.
Here's the thing: Pulisic isn't just in a slump; he's experiencing a statistical freefall. If you look at the first half of the 2025-26 season, the man was flying with eight goals and two assists. But since the calendar flipped to 2026? Absolutely nothing. Zero goals. One lonely assist. It's a jarring contrast that has left fans wondering where the spark went. Interestingly, his last goal actually came against Verona back on December 28, 2025, at the San Siro—a strike where Adrien Rabiot provided a flick-on that Pulisic volleyed home just before halftime. That moment now feels like a lifetime ago.
A Tactical Gamble at the Bentegodi
Coming into this fixture, Massimiliano Allegri decided to stop tinkering. After flirting with a 4-3-3 that didn't exactly set the world on fire, he reverted to his reliable 3-5-2 setup. The move was a calculated risk to shore up the defense and secure a Champions League qualifying spot, especially with a heavyweight clash against Juventus looming the following week. It was a "back to basics" approach that prioritized stability over flair.
The twist is that Allegri chose to double down on the Pulisic and Rafael Leão partnership. On paper, it makes sense; they're the team's biggest talents. In practice, it's been a bit of a disaster. When these two start together, Milan's goals have dried up, averaging less than one per game. Despite the lack of chemistry, Allegri seemed convinced that the only way out of the crisis was through it, forcing the duo to find a way to coexist upfront.
To support this structure, the coach deployed Zachary Athekame and Davide Bartesaghi as wing-backs, attempting to provide the width and service that the front two have been craving. It was a clear signal from the dugout: the trust in the stars remains, even if the results aren't currently reflecting that faith.
The Anatomy of an Attacking Crisis
If you want to understand why Milan is struggling, just look at the numbers. Since January, the team's attackers have managed a meager eight goals. That's a shocking figure considering they've unleashed 93 shots, with 34 of those hitting the target. It's not a problem of creating chances—it's a problem of finishing them. They're knocking on the door, but they can't find the key.
Pulisic's personal struggle is exacerbated by a bit of bad luck. He missed two games due to injury earlier this year, which broke his momentum just as he was hitting a peak. Now, he's fighting the mental battle of a goal-drought that has stretched across 14 games in 2026. For a player who was shooting at a rate that seemed almost unsustainable before the New Year, this regression is a hard pill to swallow.
A History of Success Against the Gialloblu
Despite the current gloom, Pulisic had plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into this game. He has a weirdly perfect record against Verona, winning four out of four meetings. He's also played well at the Bentegodi in the past; specifically, he scored in a 3-1 victory under former coach Stefano Pioli on March 17, 2024. (He missed the away trip last season with a calf issue, which probably didn't help his rhythm).
For Verona, the match was another chapter in a depressing trend. They entered the game having lost 10 consecutive meetings with Milan. They were also shorthanded, missing Suat Serdar, Kieron Bowie, and Daniel Mosquera. Even with those absences, they managed to keep Milan to a single goal, highlighting just how blunt the Rossoneri's attack has become.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Final Score: AC Milan 1-0 Hellas Verona
- Pulisic's 2026 Stats: 0 goals, 1 assist in 14 matches
- Team Slump: Only 8 goals scored by Milan since January 1st
- Tactical Shift: Allegri returned to a 3-5-2 formation
- Venue: Stadio Bentegodi, Verona
What This Means for the Road Ahead
This victory is a lifeline, but it's not a cure. The three points keep Milan in the hunt for the Champions League, but the reliance on a stagnating attack is a dangerous game. If Pulisic doesn't find his scoring touch soon, Allegri may be forced to look toward the bench or change the system yet again.
The upcoming match against Juventus will be the real litmus test. In a high-stakes derby, you can't afford to be "almost" dangerous. Pulisic needs to rediscover the confidence he had in December if he wants to remain the focal point of this project. For now, he's a player leaning heavily on a positive history to survive a difficult present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Christian Pulisic's current form concerning?
Pulisic has experienced a dramatic drop in production, going from eight goals in the first half of the 2025-26 season to zero goals in 2026. Having provided only one assist in 14 games this year, his lack of clinical finishing is contributing to a wider AC Milan attacking crisis where the team has scored only eight goals since January.
What tactical change did Massimiliano Allegri make for the Verona match?
Allegri abandoned a recent 4-3-3 experimental setup and returned to a tried-and-tested 3-5-2 formation. This shift was designed to consolidate the defense and provide more stability as the club pushes for a Champions League qualifying spot, while pairing Pulisic and Rafael Leão upfront to help them find their synergy.
How has Pulisic performed against Hellas Verona historically?
Pulisic has a strong record against Verona, winning all four of his encounters with the Gialloblu. He has a history of scoring at the Stadio Bentegodi, including a goal in a 3-1 win on March 17, 2024, and most recently scored against them at the San Siro on December 28, 2025.
What are the broader implications of Milan's attacking struggles?
The inefficiency is stark: 93 shots and 34 on target resulting in only eight goals since the turn of the year. This lack of conversion puts immense pressure on the defense to keep clean sheets and makes the team vulnerable in high-stakes matches, such as the upcoming fixture against Juventus.
