After a promising start of 2025, AC MilanFights have resurrected and fall below the expectations set at the beginning of the 2024-25 season. Their ongoing misery was at full show in a 2-1 defeat against NapoliWhere A missed punishment by Santiago Gimenez – handed over to him by Christian Pulisic – became one of the game’s turning points.
Milan traveled to Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for Matchday 30 in Serie Ain the hope of increasing their European qualification hopes. But they quickly fell behind, with Napoli Jumps to a 2-0 lead in the 19th minute.
In the second half of the year, a moment of controversy arose when the judge Simone Sozza awarded Milan a penalty after a foul of Philip Billing on Theo Hernandez In the box. Although USMNT star Christian Pulisic is Milan’s appointed penalty, he chose to leave the possibility of Gimenez instead.
The Mexican striker rose to the 69th minute and wanted to reduce the deficit in half, But Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret guessed correctly and saved the low, driven shot. Minutes later, manager Sergio Conceicao replaced Pulisic with Luka Jovic, who managed to withdraw one back – even though it was enough to save a result.
The decision to let Gimenez take the spot fired raised the eyebrows, especially considering a previous incident. In Milan’s loss of 2-1 to Torino last month, Pulisic missed a penalty, and reports suggested tension between him and Gimenez over who should take it. This last moment, concerns about Milan’s punishment strategy returned.
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Milan’s penalty struggle in Serie A
Penalty kick is often seen as golden opportunities – statistically, About 75% are convertedWhile 17% is saved, 4% go wide or above the bar and 2% hit the wooden plant. But for AC Milan, penalties have become a recurring problem this series one season.
Of the eight penalties assigned Milan so far, Only half has been converted – A about interest for a club aimed at competing at the top. Christian Pulisic has received three, and Tammy Abraham has added one. But costly misses from Pulisic, Abraham, Theo Hernandez and now Santiago Gimenez has revealed a deeper issue.
The lack of a consistent and secure penalty has become symbolic for Milan’s broader struggle. For a squad filled with attacking talent, Such inefficiency from the site has directly affected the results And raised questions about leadership and decision -making at crucial moments.
