Milan testing new Nkunku-Leao partnership and drop Pulisic | OneFootball

Max Allegri is trying to revitalise his Milan side against Sassuolo by testing Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leao upfront, dropping misfiring Christian Pulisic.

The Serie A Week 35 fixture is set to kick off at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (15.00 CEST).

The Rossoneri were able to hang on to third place following the 0-0 draw with Juventus, but the lack of firepower is becoming an increasing concern.

Pulisic is yet to score a single goal in 2026 and has now equalled the longest negative streak of his career, set previously at Chelsea, of 16 games.

Milan pair Nkunku with Leao

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With this in mind, Sky Sport Italia report that Allegri dropped the USMNT forward and tested out a new front pairing of Leao and Nkunku.

This would allow him to maintain the 3-5-2 formation, with using strikers who have different characteristics and might work better together.

Some changes are forced, as Luka Modric is out for the rest of the club season after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, so Ardon Jashari steps into the midfield gap.

Pervis Estupinan and Davide Bartesaghi are once again the big doubt for the left flank, as the Italian is not 100 per cent fit.