‘Never again’ — AC Milan coach favours USMNT star over Chukwueze, others on penalty duty

AC Milan’s coach Paulo Fonseca didn’t hold back after his team’s frustrating 2-1 loss to Fiorentina. The Rossoneri missed two penalties, with Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham unable to convert from the spot.

But what really got Fonseca fuming wasn't just the missed chances, but the decision to not let Christian Pulisic, the club’s usual penalty taker, step up.

The American has a flawless record from the penalty spot, making Fonseca's frustration all the more understandable.

With Milan sitting in sixth place in Serie A, just five points behind Napoli, Fonseca made it clear that such mistakes can’t be repeated. His words, both to the media and inside the dressing room, left no room for doubt—Pulisic should be the one handling penalties from now on.

The Milan coach was visibly frustrated that his players deviated from the designated taker without consulting him, especially when Pulisic's track record speaks for itself.

After the game, Fonseca expressed his disappointment, saying, “Of course I am upset [that players changed the penalty kick taker]. Christian [Pulisic] should take penalties. It must never happen again, and I told the players.”

Christian Pulisic’s track record from the penalty spot is flawless, making the player’s decision to keep him away from the penalty spot even more frustrating.

The winger has converted all ten penalties he's taken throughout his career, including eight for the USMNT and one for AC Milan in a recent win over Venezia.

Pulisic’s consistency from the penalty spot clearly frustrated Fonseca and Milan supporters even more, as they were left wondering why he wasn’t given the chance to take either of the two penalties agianst Fiorentina.

With important matches on the horizon, including a clash against Maduka Okoye’s Udinese after the international break, Fonseca will be hoping that his firm stance on penalty duty will help Milan avoid any more costly mistakes.