Tensions erupt between Pulisic and Leao at AC Milan, Allegri intervenes

Tempers boiled at AC Milan after a chaotic trip to the capital, with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic central to the fallout. TV cameras captured Leao's animated outbursts aimed at the USMNT forward during the match, and the row continued down the tunnel and into the dressing room, where coach Massimiliano Allegri stepped in to keep the situation from escalating.

The dispute stemmed from second-half moments when Leao made two darting runs behind Lazio defender Adam Marusic; Pulisic had possession and the chance to play vertical passes that would have sent Leao through. The passes were difficult but within the reach of a player of Pulisic's calibre, and Leao’s body language made his feelings clear, "effectively screaming 'I was open, pass it to me' through his gestures." Earlier, Leao had also shown irritation toward Strahinja Pavlovic after the defender shot rather than crossed to the unmarked Portugal international.

ac milan, rafael leao, christian pulisic, massimiliano allegri, lazio, adam marusic, strahinja pavlovic, dressing room, tunnel row, vertical pass