Milan's Title Charge Meets Its Kryptonite: The Sassuolo Problem

Haryanvi Hustler
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If you've been following Serie A this season, you know AC Milan are looking like the real deal. We should also mention They're sitting pretty at the top of the table, aiming to extend their lead and continue their massive push for the Scudetto. But this Sunday, they’re welcoming a team to San Siro that has consistently been a thorn in their side: Sassuolo. It’s a classic case of an unstoppable force meeting a very, very immovable object.

Key Highlights

  • AC Milan are on a 13-game unbeaten streak in Serie A, leading the title race.
  • ✓ Sassuolo are Milan's "bogey team," with the Rossoneri winning just one of the last five home league games against them.
  • Christian Pulisic is in incredible form, scoring a goal every 64 minutes in Serie A this season.
  • ✓ Recent history is incredibly tight, with three wins apiece and two draws in the last eight Serie A meetings.
  • ✓ Both teams face injury concerns, with Milan missing Rafael Leao and Sassuolo missing talisman Domenico Berardi among many others.

The Rossoneri's Relentless March

Let's be honest, Milan has been on an absolute tear. Even without European football to worry about, their league form has been nothing short of phenomenal. They've been unbeaten since August, racking up an impressive 13-game streak in Serie A. This isn't just a lucky run; it's the kind of form that wins titles. Recent reports indicate that

In fact, they’ve already surpassed 30 points after just 14 games. The last time they did that was back in the 2021-22 season, and we all remember how that ended—with them lifting the Scudetto. History has a funny way of repeating itself, and on the five other occasions they've hit this mark, they've always finished in the top three. The signs are definitely looking outstanding.

Their last match against Torino was a perfect example of their resilience. They went two goals down within 20 minutes, a situation that would make most teams crumble. But not this Milan side. A rocket from Adrien Rabiot got them back in the game before a flu-ridden Christian Pulisic came off the bench to score a match-winning brace. It was a statement victory that showed they have the grit to go with their quality.

The Green and Black Kryptonite

So, with all that momentum, this weekend should be a walk in the park, right. Well, not exactly. Here's the thing about Sassuolo: they absolutely love playing against Milan, especially at San Siro. For whatever reason, they have become the Rossoneri's certified bogey team, and the stats are pretty telling.

Believe it or not, Milan has won just one of their last five home league matches against Sassuolo, losing three of them. It’s a baffling record for a team of Milan's stature. Despite the huge gulf between the clubs, recent history shows there's been nothing to separate them. Over the last eight league meetings, it's dead even: three wins for Milan, three wins for Sassuolo, and two draws.

Sassuolo fans will never forget that incredible 5-2 away victory back in January 2023, and their most recent league clash was a nail-biting 3-3 thriller. This isn't just a potential banana peel; it's a fixture that has consistently delivered drama and upsets. The Neroverdi are coming to Italy's second city full of confidence, and they have every reason to be.

💡 Allegri on Pulisic: "He’s very reserved, but he transforms on the pitch. He’s diabolical when he’s in front of the goal. He still needs to find his best condition. "

Players in the Spotlight: Pulisic's Fire & Nkunku's Quest

Let's talk about the man of the hour, Christian Pulisic. The US international has been a revelation. After bagging that brace against Torino, he's now Milan’s leading scorer in Serie A with seven goals. His efficiency is just off the charts, averaging a goal every 64 minutes. To put that in perspective, only Harry Kane has a better ratio in Europe's top five leagues this season. Pulisic has also set a new personal record for goals in a single calendar year with 13 in 2025.

While Pulisic is flying, his forward partner, Christopher Nkunku, is still searching for that elusive first Serie A goal. After 10 appearances, his only goal involvement has been an assist. It can be tough for a substantial summer signing to find their footing, but manager Massimiliano Allegri isn't worried at all. He's been incredibly supportive of the French forward.

Allegri’s message to Nkunku was simple and human: "He must be more serene. I told him he has to smile more. If he does so, things will improve. " He also pointed out Nkunku’s crucial role in the third goal against Torino, where his movement created the space for Pulisic to score. The goals will come, and the faith from the manager is clearly there.

What to Expect From the Feisty Neroverdi

Sassuolo isn't just a team that shows up to spoil the party; they've had a fantastic start to their campaign. Last season's Serie B champions have adapted seamlessly to life back in the top flight, currently sitting in a comfortable eighth place, far closer to the European spots than the relegation zone. Their recent 3-1 win over a struggling Fiorentina proves they can hang with the substantial boys.

They’ve also been tough to beat on the road. A recent 2-0 loss in Como was their only defeat in their last five away trips, which suggests they're more than ready for the challenge at San Siro. One player to keep a close eye on is Cristian Volpato. He's been in a real purple patch, with a direct hand in four goals (one goal, three assists) in his last four appearances.

However, their task is made much harder by a crippling injury list. Their talisman, Domenico Berardi, is out until 2026, which is a massive blow. He's joined on the sidelines by a host of other key players, including Aster Vranckx and Daniel Boloca. That’s a lot of talent to be missing for such a substantial game.

Team News and Possible Lineups

Milan has its own injury concerns. Forward Rafael Leao is nursing a minor muscular injury, which means Allegri will almost certainly start the red-hot Pulisic. He'll likely be paired up front with Christopher Nkunku, giving the Frenchman another chance to break his duck. Youssouf Fofana and Zachary Athekame are also expected to be sidelined.

For Sassuolo, the attack will likely be led by Andrea Pinamonti, flanked by the dangerous Armand Lauriente and the in-form Volpato. With so many players unavailable, Fabio Grosso's options are limited, but they'll still field a competitive side ready to cause problems.

Conclusion

So, what's the bottom line. All signs point to a fascinating encounter. Research findings show that AC Milan are in championship-winning form, mastering the art of grinding out tough results. Yet, they're facing the one team that consistently seems to have their number at San Siro. Despite Sassuolo's historical advantage and fighting spirit, Milan's current momentum and sheer quality should see them through.

The prediction is a tight 2-1 victory for Milan, but don't be surprised if Sassuolo makes them sweat for every single one of those points. This match is more than just another three points; it's a huge psychological test of Milan's title credentials. If they can overcome their kryptonite, it will send a powerful message to the rest of Serie A. This brings us to

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