Santiago Giménez may still be waiting for his first Serie A goal, but that hasn’t shaken Massimiliano Allegri’s faith one bit. The Mexico international, who found the net only once so far this season — in the Coppa Italia — continues to earn the manager’s full backing after another hard-fought shift in Milan’s goalless draw against Juventus.
A night of frustration, not failure
Milan’s trip to Turin ended in stalemate, halting their four-match winning run and nudging them down to third after six rounds. For a team that looked poised to stretch their lead at the top, it felt like a missed opportunity. Yet amid the disappointment, Allegri chose to highlight one player above all others — Giménez.
The 24-year-old led the line for just over an hour before making way for Rafael Leão. He didn’t score, again, but if you looked beyond the stat sheet, there was a lot to like about his performance. Allegri clearly saw it the same way.
“Santiago is a fundamental piece of this team,” the Milan boss insisted post-match. “He gives us structure — the way he connects play, holds up the ball, and presses from the front is vital. The goals will come, but what he offers goes far beyond the numbers.”
That last line felt like a deliberate message — to the fans, to the critics, maybe even to the player himself. Allegri’s tone suggested he knows exactly what Giménez brings, even if it’s not yet reflected on the scoreboard.
The unseen impact
It’s easy to fixate on the drought, but there’s a reason Giménez still starts games. Since arriving from Feyenoord, the striker has contributed seven goals in 27 appearances — modest figures, yes, but they don’t tell the full story. His hold-up play and selfless running have given Milan an outlet they lacked last season, and his tireless pressing sets the tone for the team’s shape out of possession.
“Giménez played really well today,” Allegri added. “He worked hard, created space, and even forced a penalty. I brought Leão on to change the tempo, not because Santi deserved to come off.”
That’s a manager standing squarely behind his striker — and you don’t hear that every day in Italy, especially when the goals have dried up.
A fighter’s mentality
The Mexican forward could easily have jumped ship over the summer. Reports suggested he was close to leaving on deadline day, but instead, he dug in and chose to fight for his spot. Right now, that decision looks like the right one. Milan have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, and while Giménez hasn’t been on the scoresheet, he’s been integral to their rhythm and balance.
The goals? They’ll come. But for Allegri, it’s clear — Giménez isn’t just another striker waiting for a breakout moment. He’s already an essential part of Milan’s machine.
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