When Christian Pulisic saw the referee point to the spot at the Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025, the roar from the AC Milan fans sounded like a combine of hope and anxiety. The American forward, who had already matched Ricardo Orcolini for the league lead with four goals, was the clear protagonist of a drama that could have swung the Serie A title race in Milan’s favour. Instead, his penalty miss left the match dead‑locked 0‑0, and the Bianconeri walked away with a point that kept them just a whisper behind the Rossoneri on Matchday 6.
Match Overview: A Tense Stalemate at the Allianz
The clash between Juventus and AC Milan was billed as a potential title‑shifting encounter, especially with the October international break looming. Juventus, sitting second with 12 points, needed a win to keep pace, while Milan, perched top with 13 points after four straight victories, hoped to extend its lead.
From the kickoff, both sides displayed disciplined structures. Juventus maintained a compact back‑four, anchored by veteran centre‑back Leonardo Bonucci before his recent move, while Milan relied on the fluidity of Santi Jiménez making diagonal runs on the left flank.
The first 30 minutes yielded few clear chances, but a long‑range effort from Juventus’ Mattia Zaccagni brushed the post, hinting at the fine margins that would define the game.
Key Moment: Pulisic’s Penalty Miss
Midway through the second half, a clumsy tackle by Lloyd Kelly inside the box set the stage for the pivotal spot‑kick. The referee, noting the clear contact, pointed to the penalty spot, and Milan’s captain, Sandro Tonali, gestured for Pulisic to step up.
“I felt it was my moment,” Pulisic said in the post‑match interview, his voice steadier than his foot. “I’ve practiced this hundreds of times. All I could think was to give the fans what they deserved.” He placed the ball, struck it low and to his right, but Juventus’ goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny dove brilliantly, the ball rattling the inside of the post before bouncing back into play.
The miss was a gut‑punch for Milan. Instead of taking a three‑point lead, they were forced to settle for a single point, leaving the table virtually unchanged.
Goalkeeper Heroics: Maignan’s Masterclass
While Pulisic’s spot‑kick became the headline, the real unsung hero was Mike Maignan. The Frenchman produced a series of saves that left commentators in awe. At the 27th minute, a cross from Juventus’ Giacomo Gatti found the near‑post; Maignan leapt, tipping the ball onto the cross‑bar with a fingertip that, according to former French international Lilian Thuram, was "the best save I’ve seen for a long, long time."")
His reflexes were tested again in the 68th minute when a low chip from Jonathan David slipped through the defense. Maignan reacted instantly, stretching his right foot to parry the ball onto the safe side of the goal.
Tactical Battles and Substitutions
Allegri’s Juventus went into the second half with a subtle shift, bringing on Matteo Concao for injured midfielder Rafael Tolói. Concao added width, forcing Milan’s back‑line to track the ball deeper.
Pioli, Milan’s head coach, responded by inserting Davide Frattesi for Theo Hernández, hoping to inject fresh energy on the left. The substitution paid off briefly when Frattesi delivered a low drive that curled just outside the post, only to be denied again by Szczęsny.
Both managers praised each other’s setups during the press conferences. "Allegri kept his team organized, and that’s why we had limited chances," Pioli admitted, adding that Milan’s defensive discipline was the key to staying afloat.
Implications for the Serie A Race
The draw left Milan with 13 points to Juventus’ 12, with the gap narrowed to a single point but still maintaining a superior goal difference (+7 for Milan, +5 for Juventus). The next round, scheduled for October 21, pits Milan against Napoli, while Juventus travels to Verona.
Analyst Alessandro Caldeira noted, "Milan’s title charge depends on turning moments like today into wins. A single dropped point can shift momentum, especially with the season’s first real test on the horizon."
For Juventus, the point keeps their unbeaten run alive—six matches without a loss—and they remain within striking distance of the summit.
Looking Ahead: What Comes After the International Break?
Both squads will regroup during the October international break, a window that offers injured players like Juventus’s star striker Dušan Vlahović a chance to recover. Milan, meanwhile, hopes to regain its composure and capitalize on the next fixture.
Pioli promised, "We’ll review the video, work on the finishing, and come back stronger. The fans deserve it."
Allegri echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need for "clinical edge" in front of goal, a phrase that will now echo in Juventus’ training ground.
Key Facts
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
- Result: Juventus 0 – 0 AC Milan
- Top scorers: Christian Pulisic & Ricardo Orcolini (4 goals each)
- Standings after match: Milan 13 pts (+7 GD), Juventus 12 pts (+5 GD)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pulisic’s missed penalty affect Milan’s title chances?
Milan lost three points that could have given them a four‑point cushion over Juventus. With the league still in its early stage, that margin is crucial; a single point can determine home‑field advantage in the later rounds. The team now must win its next two fixtures to re‑establish a comfortable lead.
Who stood out for Juventus despite the draw?
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was the hero, making the decisive save on Pulisic’s penalty. Midfielder Matteo Concao also impressed after coming on, creating chances that kept Juventus threatening.
What are the next matches for both clubs after the international break?
Milan travel to Napoli on October 21, while Juventus face Verona away on the same day. Both fixtures are pivotal; a win for either side could shift the top of the table.
How did Mike Maignan influence the match outcome?
Maignan made three key saves, including a fingertip stop that hit the cross‑bar and a reflex dive on a low chip. His interventions kept Milan in the game, preventing Juventus from taking the lead.
What does the draw mean for Juventus’s unbeaten run?
The point extends Juventus’s unbeaten streak to six matches. While not a win, the result maintains their momentum and keeps them within striking distance of the league leaders.