Nkunku disaster

Christopher Nkunku has been a disappointment at AC Milan.

Christopher Nkunku arrived at Milan with the aura of a Bundesliga star, but after more than four hours on the pitch in Serie A, he has yet to celebrate a goal. The Frenchman's only goal since joining the "Rossoneri" came in the Coppa Italy, while in the main competition, he is gradually losing his place and the trust of the fans.

The recent draw against Parma served as a warning. Nkunku was lackluster and failed to make a difference. He used to have a habit of tucking a red balloon into his sock before each match, as a good luck ritual. But after his only goal against Lecce, the balloon remained untouched, a symbol of hopeless waiting.

Milan fans are starting to lose patience. They look at the more than 250 minutes of playing time without a goal, and then remember the €37 million investment the club made to bring Nkunku to San Siro. For a team known for its cautious spending, it was a "blockbuster" signing of the summer. Milan expected him to bring creativity, speed, and unpredictability to an attack that relied heavily on counter-attacks and individual inspiration.

But Serie A is not like the Bundesliga. The space is tighter, the opponents are more tightly organized, and Nkunku's attempts are often blocked before they can make a difference. He still tries to move, still competes fiercely, but for the most part, he's out of sync with Milan's attacking system.

Christopher Nkunku is struggling to rediscover himself.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri – known for his pragmatism – is even less patient. He's not the type of coach who likes risky rotations. In his preferred formation, Allegri rarely uses three attacking players. Rafael Leao is a guaranteed starter on the left wing, Santiago Gimenez is injured, so the remaining spot is a race between Nkunku and Christian Pulisic. And currently, the balance is heavily tilted towards the American player.

Pulisic has had his moments of inconsistent form, but he knows how to leave his mark. In the match against Parma, he missed a golden opportunity but still tormented the opposing defense. Milan even persuaded the US Soccer Federation not to call him up for the November training camp so Pulisic could have more time to train. The goal is clear: he will play in the derby on November 23rd, when Serie A plays its familiar tune, while Nkunku sits on the bench, his eyes downcast and the red ball in his sock still uninflated.

Milan believes Nkunku will soon rediscover his goal-scoring instinct, but time is running out. He arrived to be a crucial piece of the puzzle, not a luxury backup option. Serie A is impatient with expensive players who perform poorly. And if he doesn't soon shine, Nkunku will become a prime example of the price of dreaming on a stage where every mistake is scrutinized.

The red ball in Nkunku's sock might be a reminder of the good old days. But at Milan, only goals can revive him and save him from a position slipping away.