In a match marked by controversy and disappointment, AC Milan’s coach Paulo Fonseca expressed his bewilderment over Christian Pulisic’s absence from penalty duties during a critical 2-1 loss to Fiorentina. Pulisic, chosen as the team’s official penalty taker, was surprisingly bypassed by his teammates when two penalty opportunities arose. Instead, Theo Hernández and Tammy Abraham stepped up to the spot, leading to two missed chances saved by the expert hands of Fiorentina’s new goalkeeper, David de Gea. Fonseca’s irritation was palpable as he questioned the rationale behind this deviation from the established plan, insisting that team dynamics should adhere strictly to designated roles in high-pressure moments.
Despite the penalty fiasco, Pulisic managed to register his sixth goal of the season, leveling the match in the second half after AC Milan fell behind in the first. However, the irony of his significant contribution was overshadowed by the decision to replace him late in the game; he was substituted for Samuel Chukwueze just nine minutes before the final whistle. Fonseca clarified that this was due to a flexor issue that had plagued Pulisic during the week, providing a hint into the strategic decisions guiding team selections. Chukwueze’s entry, albeit with good intentions, did not translate into the late-game resurgence the team desperately needed.
The match was further complicated by questionable refereeing decisions that drew criticism from Fonseca. He lamented the fact that the nature of these penalties seemed to stray far from the essence of traditional football, suggesting that mere contact was not enough to warrant such decisions. This frustration extended beyond the penalties awarded against Milan, casting a shadow over the entire match dynamics. Yet Fonseca stayed resolute in his belief that despite the officiating, his team needed to accept responsibility for their failure to convert penalty opportunities.
The ramifications of this defeat were significant; it snapped AC Milan’s three-match winning streak in Serie A, leaving them in sixth place and trailing the leaders, Napoli, by five points. While the coach rightfully acknowledged the factors contributing to the loss, he emphasized that the team’s failure to capitalize on key chances—notably, the penalties—was ultimately the deciding factor in the game. As the international break looms, Fonseca’s insights and criticisms are crucial for the team to regroup and refocus, ensuring lessons are learned from this disappointing episode. A shift in approach, particularly regarding preparedness to tackle future pressure situations, will be essential for any aspirations Milan has to reclaim its form in the league.