Christian Pulisic missed a crucial penalty in AC Milan’s key Serie A match against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The USMNT captain had an opportunity to score in the 53rd minute when Milan was awarded a penalty, but he sent the shot over the crossbar, marking a significant moment in the game.
Despite this mistake, which is only his second penalty miss in his professional career (the first occurring earlier this year against Torino), Pulisic remains a pivotal player for his team. This incident underlines his importance.
Oh no, Christian 😱
Captain America misses only the second penalty of his professional career ❌ pic.twitter.com/msEXgOsVnj
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 5, 2025
AC Milan is undergoing considerable changes under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, who returned this summer with hopes of rebuilding a team that struggled last season finishing in eighth place, missing out on all European competitions.
All season, Allegri has deployed Pulisic in a different role as a striker within the team’s 3-5-2 formation. The American forward, starting alongside Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, has already netted six goals in the first eight matches of the season across the Serie A and Coppa Italia, demonstrating his significance to the squad.
Even though AC Milan has lost some of its star power over the years, they have recognized Pulisic’s importance, with many considering him the standout player for the past two years. Moreover, his leadership on the field is now undeniable.
Allegri’s tactical decisions have permitted Pulisic to roam the attack freely, often encouraging him to drop deep and initiate plays. During the game against Juventus, he took on this role while others, such as Luka Modric and Youssouf Fofana, struggled to find space. Juventus succeeded in keeping Milan’s strikers in check, further complicating Pulisic’s efforts.
Given his task of stepping up to take that penalty, especially in front of a player like Modric, signifies Pulisic’s rise as a crucial component of AC Milan, particularly ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he is anticipated to lead the national team.
