Christian Pulisic, currently Serie A`s leading scorer with four goals, is contributing far beyond just finding the net to AC Milan`s excellent form. Remarkably, he wasn`t even feeling his best before the pivotal match against Napoli.
The revelation before the match was that Pulisic wasn`t feeling 100%, but a successful final fitness test cleared him to play. Coach Max Allegri had hinted at lineup uncertainties pre-game, but San Siro`s faithful knew who they wanted, chanting Pulisic`s name even before kickoff. This early season, the Curva Sud`s acclamations were reserved for a select few: Luka Modric, a champion to be revered; Gimenez, a striker needing encouragement; and Christian, the undeniable driving force. Pulisic, now playing as a central attacker rather than a winger or attacking midfielder, boasts impressive stats: five league matches, four goals, and two assists, plus two goals in two Coppa Italia appearances. These are true striker numbers. Moreover, since his Serie A debut in the 2023-24 season, Pulisic has been directly involved in more goals across the last three Serie A campaigns than any other player, with 46 (27 goals, 19 assists), surpassing Lautaro Martinez (45).
Sacrifice and Leadership
San Siro`s chants for Pulisic began even before the whistle, a testament to his immediate impact. It took less than three minutes for him to deliver a delicate pass into the box for Saelemaekers, an assist that shattered the deadlock. This `golfer`s touch` showcased his precision, reflecting his passion for the sport. Pulisic then doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark, capitalizing on a build-up involving Pavlovic and Fofana, with his shot (dubbed `Captain America`s goal`) taking a deflection off Juan Jesus. This sequence perfectly illustrated Milan`s blend of power and finesse. The second goal felt like a decisive blow, confirming Pulisic`s tactical prowess. A second-half red card, however, re-energized the opposition, leading to Pulisic`s substitution for Bartesaghi to bring on fresh legs. As he departed, the usually reserved Pulisic unexpectedly rallied the crowd, urging them to support the team during this challenging phase. His eventual return to the field was to accept another Man of the Match award. Reflecting on the performance, Pulisic stated, “We defended exceptionally well; there was an incredible sacrifice from everyone. With Modric and Rabiot, we bring a lot of quality to the pitch, and then Allegri brings out the best in each of us.”
