So far this term, Massimiliano Allegri has opted to start his two most influential players together on just two occasions. With the Genoa fixture looming, fans and pundits alike are wondering: is the wait finally over, or will the manager stick to a more conservative tactical approach?
We’ve heard it called “PuLão,” a goal-scoring duo, labelled in countless ways, but the reality is that the partnership between Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão has barely been seen on the pitch. Milan–Genoa could finally offer the chance to see the No.10 and the No.11 starting together from the first whistle.
With Loftus-Cheek nursing a knock (he will be reassessed today) and Nkunku sidelined due to an ankle issue and unavailable against the Grifone, Massimiliano Allegri looks set to roll out what was always meant to be his preferred attacking duo. A pairing he had in mind from day one, but which recurring fitness issues have prevented him from fielding almost entirely -save for just two brief occasions.
The first came in the opening 13 minutes of Milan–Bari, before the Portuguese forward was forced off injured (though both managed to get on the scoresheet in that match). The second was the league derby win, decided by a “Captain America” strike in the 54th minute.
In between, Leão has netted 7 goals and Pulisic 10, both proving decisive in their new, tailor-made roles designed by the Tuscan coach -yet almost never alongside each other on the same pitch. The idea of deploying Rafa as a central striker and exploiting Chris’ outstanding tactical intelligence as a second forward is genuinely intriguing, and everyone is eager to see what this partnership could produce in the second half of the season.
That said, there is a caveat. With fixtures coming thick and fast, expectations should be tempered: we may not immediately see fireworks from the duo, largely due to their physical condition. Both are carrying lingering issues that have yet to be fully shaken off and will need careful management -not just from the coaching staff, but also in how they pace themselves over the full 90 minutes.
Pulisic’s adductor discomfort and the inflammation troubling the former Lille man limit their ability to perform at peak level, but having them on the pitch to regain rhythm is still preferable to leaving them on the bench. And hopefully, the usual last-minute setbacks won’t deny fans the chance to enjoy the long-awaited Serie A “Act Two” of the Pulisic–Leão partnership in Milan–Genoa. Managing to keep them on the pitch consistently, allowing both their fitness and on-field chemistry to grow, would give Milan a major boost heading into the second half of the season. The Rossoneri still have plenty of room for improvement -especially if Rafa and Christian are able to develop together, side by side, into what could truly become a dream partnership
