Why didn't Christian Pulisic take crucial AC Milan penalty? Sergio Conceicao gives bizarre explanation as USMNT star passes responsibility to Santiago Gimenez before disastrous miss against Napoli

After seeing the Rossoneri fluff their lines on two occasions from the spot during a Serie A clash with Fiorentina in October 2024, former Milan boss Paulo Fonseca made it clear that only one man would be charged with penalty responsibilities going forward. He said: “Our penalty taker is Pulisic, I don't know why the players changed their minds. I spoke to him and said that it must not happen again.”

A change in the dugout has occurred since then, with Conceicao seemingly not as adamant that United States international Pulisic should be taking responsibility from 12 yards. He saw Mexican striker Gimenez step up against Napoli when Milan were 2-0 down, only to see his tame effort saved by Alex Meret. The Rossoneri would go on to lose the game 2-1, making that miss all the more damaging.

Quizzed by DAZN on the back of the defeat as to why Pulisic was overlooked once again when it comes to penalty-taking duty, Conceicao said: “There are three players who train to take them, Pulisic left it to him to give confidence to Gimenez who hasn't scored for a while and at that point it's not up to me to decide. However, this means that the dressing room is united, there is frustration because in my opinion we didn't deserve this outcome.”

Gimenez, who joined Milan in the winter transfer window, has gone goalless through his last six appearances in Serie A. Pulisic, meanwhile, remains a talismanic presence for the Rossoneri, with 15 goals added to his tally this season – including four penalties.