‘Captain America’ Christian Pulisic Can’t Always Save AC Milan

Fabio Capello Warns Rossoneri Are Too Dependent on USMNT Star Christian Pulisic

There are nights at San Siro when everything seems to run through one man. One burst of acceleration, one clever touch between the lines, one calm finish from an angle that shouldn’t really work — and suddenly AC Milan are back on their feet. More often than not this season, that man has been Christian Pulisic.

But according to legendary Italian coach Fabio Capello, Milan may be leaning on their American talisman a little too much. The former Rossoneri boss has issued a clear warning: “Captain America” can’t always save AC Milan, and if the club want to seriously challenge for the Serie A title, they need more balance and more collective responsibility.

Capello’s words carry weight in Italy. This is a man who knows Milan inside out — as both a player and a manager — and who has seen countless title races won and lost. His concern is not about Pulisic’s quality. Quite the opposite. The problem, in Capello’s eyes, is that Milan have become too dependent on the USMNT star to deliver moments of magic.

Christian Pulisic’s Golden Boot Push and Growing Responsibility

There’s no escaping the numbers. When fit, Pulisic has been one of the most productive players in Serie A this season. Eight league goals, double figures across all competitions, and a constant threat whether he starts wide, centrally, or in a hybrid role behind the striker.

At the start of 2026, only Inter captain Lautaro Martínez sits above him in the Serie A scoring charts — and even then, just by a single goal. Considering Pulisic is not a traditional No.9, that statistic alone says a lot about the impact he’s having.

The American has grown into the role of a leader almost by accident. He doesn’t shout much, doesn’t dominate press conferences, and doesn’t carry himself with exaggerated bravado. Instead, he leads by example — with movement, intensity, and a willingness to take responsibility in decisive moments.

Yet Capello isn’t convinced that individual brilliance, no matter how consistent, is enough to carry Milan all the way to the Scudetto.

Christian Pulisic AC Milan Torino 2025-26

“Too Dependent”: Capello’s Honest Assessment of AC Milan

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello was asked who he believes will finish the 2025-26 season as Serie A’s top scorer. His answer quickly turned into a wider reflection on Milan’s structure.

“Lautaro is a regular at scoring important goals,” Capello said, pointing to the Inter striker’s reliability in big moments. “But the Rossoneri are too dependent on Pulisic, especially without Rafael Leão. The American can’t always save his teammates from trouble.”

That line — can’t always save — cuts to the heart of Milan’s current situation. When Leão is injured or out of form, the burden on Pulisic increases dramatically. Attacks funnel through him. Transitions depend on his speed. Set pieces suddenly feel more dangerous only when he’s involved.

Capello’s concern isn’t theoretical. Milan have already dropped points this season in games where Pulisic was tightly marked or physically limited. When that happens, there hasn’t always been a clear Plan B.

Comparisons Across Serie A: Why Milan’s Attack Feels Unbalanced

Capello didn’t limit his comments to Milan alone. He looked across the league, comparing attacking options at Napoli, Juventus, Roma, and Inter — and the contrast was telling.

At Inter, Lautaro is supported by a system that spreads responsibility. At Napoli, Rasmus Højlund’s form has eased pressure on Romelu Lukaku’s eventual return. Juventus can rely on the emerging brilliance of Kenan Yıldız, while Roma have Matías Soulé chipping in regularly.

Milan, by comparison, often feel like a team waiting for Pulisic to unlock the door.

Kenan Yıldız, Capello noted, is still young but already delivering goals and assists with impressive consistency. Soulé has solid numbers, even if he hasn’t yet decided the biggest matches. The message was clear: other teams are sharing the load.

Milan, right now, are not.

Where Pulisic Thrives: A Tactical Sweet Spot

Ironically, Capello has been one of Pulisic’s biggest admirers in Italy. He has repeatedly praised the American’s versatility and intelligence, suggesting that his best performances come when he is freed from rigid positional demands.

“Pulisic can truly play anywhere,” Capello has said in the past. “He even looks perfect in a 3-5-2. Starting centrally suits him better. He becomes more dangerous when he’s free to move.”

That freedom is key. When Pulisic drifts inside, he finds pockets of space that defenders struggle to track. He accelerates vertically, arrives late in the box, and creates chaos with minimal touches. It’s no coincidence that many of his goals have come from these movements rather than traditional wing play.

But again, freedom for one player requires structure around him — something Milan are still trying to fine-tune.

The Serie A Title Question: Can Pulisic Lead Milan All the Way?

There is no doubt that Pulisic wants more than personal accolades. He already tasted Supercoppa Italiana success last season, but league titles define legacies in Italy. A Scudetto at San Siro would elevate his Milan career to a different level altogether.

Massimiliano Allegri, back in charge, may actually have an advantage that other title contenders don’t. Milan are out of Europe and the Coppa Italia, meaning no midweek distractions. Capello believes this could be decisive.

“Max will always have the week to focus on a single objective,” Capello explained. “You can prepare not just tactically, but psychologically. And that matters a lot over a long season.”

The flip side, of course, is pressure. With no European nights to distract from league form, every dropped point feels heavier. And in those moments, eyes naturally turn back to Pulisic.

Mental Fatigue, Not Just Physical

Capello also touched on an often-overlooked aspect of title races: emotional energy. Cup competitions don’t just drain legs — they drain belief. Eliminations can linger, affect confidence, and create tension around a squad.

Milan have been spared that this season. The question is whether they can use the “lighter” schedule to sharpen their edge, or whether the lack of rotation will make them even more predictable.

For Pulisic, that balance is delicate. Too much responsibility, and his effectiveness drops. Too little support, and opponents can neutralize him.

The Contract Situation Hanging Over San Siro

Adding another layer of complexity is Pulisic’s contract situation. Talks over an extension have been delayed, not due to money alone, but ambition. Milan know they must convince their star that the project is moving forward.

With a home World Cup on the horizon, Pulisic is entering the most important phase of his career. He needs a club environment that matches his ambitions — competitive, stable, and capable of winning big trophies.

A serious Serie A title challenge would go a long way toward securing his future at San Siro.

Christian Pulisic AC Milan 2025-26

Captain America, But Not a Superhero

Fabio Capello’s warning isn’t an attack. It’s a reality check. Christian Pulisic has been outstanding. He has carried Milan through difficult moments and delivered when others struggled.

But football, especially in Serie A, rarely rewards one-man armies.

If Milan want to turn Pulisic from a savior into a champion, they must ease the burden on his shoulders. More goals from midfield. More consistency from the wings. More structure when games don’t go according to plan.

Because even Captain America, as Capello rightly says, can’t always save the day on his own.