Milan’s new formula? Massimiliano Allegri to use Cristiano Ronaldo blueprint to unleash Rafael Leao—With Christian Pulisic as the key cog
Massimiliano Allegri’s return to Milan has sparked intrigue and anticipation, especially as he begins to reshape the team’s tactical identity. Early signs point to a radical approach for one of Milan’s brightest stars—Rafael Leao. According to Italian reports, the new Rossoneri boss is contemplating a strategy inspired by his time with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. But what’s even more intriguing is who makes this idea feasible—Christian Pulisic.
It’s a tactical adjustment grounded in pragmatism, belief in individual brilliance, and lessons from Turin. Allegri isn’t trying to transform Leao into something he’s not. Instead, he aims to optimize the winger’s strengths, even if that means others have to shift their roles to accommodate him. The Ronaldo-era blueprint might just be the solution.
Leao’s season was statistically solid—finishing in double digits for both goals and assists—but it lacked consistency and spark. Despite flashes of brilliance, he often drifted out of games. The veteran manager quickly recognized that trying to mold Leao into a workhorse winger, as previous managers Paulo Fonseca and Sérgio Conceição attempted, wasn’t productive.
Instead, “Allegri speaks to him often, encourages him, and praises him when he gets things right in training,” reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The goal is not to demand sacrifice but to position him for success. And for Allegri, that means fewer defensive demands and more freedom in the final third.
The Ronaldo playbook: A familiar formation with a subtle twist
Back in 2018-19, Allegri managed Ronaldo’s first season in Serie A. Juventus played a 4-3-3, with CR7 often stationed on the left wing. To protect him defensively, Blaise Matuidi dropped deep to support the left-back, while Paulo Dybala or Federico Bernardeschi tracked back on the opposite flank.
At San Siro, the concept is similar. Leao will start wide left in a 4-3-3, but he won’t be left alone to defend. Instead, two key players will share the defensive load: the new left-back, expected to be more disciplined than Theo Hernandez, and a midfielder who slides left out of possession. And this is where the puzzle comes together.
Enter Christian Pulisic: The glue that makes the plan work
Christian Pulisic is central to Allegri’s tactical shift. Just like Dybala once did for Ronaldo, the American will drop deeper and shift over when Milan loses possession. “Pulisic did this many times last season,” notes Gazzetta dello Sport, proving his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively—even if it goes unnoticed on the stat sheet.
Allegri knows Pulisic’s work rate is rare for an attacking player of his profile. And the club is well aware of his value.
Sporting director Igli Tare recently praised him, stating: “He was one of the most positive players last season and is one of the pillars of the coming season. He has a central role in this group.” In short, the American’s discipline is what allows Leao to roam freely. He offers balance and structure to a system built to unleash the Portuguese star’s attacking firepower.