Christian Pulisic is already off the mark for AC Milan.
The U.S. men’s national team star followed up on a saved penalty kick to score as Milan eventually went on to defeat AC Monza in the inaugural Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi, a preseason friendly between the two clubs the late Italian Prime Minister once owned.
At Monza’s Stadio Brianteo, Pulisic played 79 minutes on the right wing for the Rossoneri, and played a crucial role in Milan’s only goal in what was a 1-1 draw in regulation. Milan would go on to win the match on penalties 6-5.
Pulisic has been influential with Milan already, notching two assists in his first preseason friendly appearance, and he appears to be very much a first-choice option for manager Stefano Pioli.
In the 28th minute of Tuesday’s friendly, Pulisic — pushing high and wide on the right flank — received a long ball that caught Monza out.
From there, the USMNT attacker cut inside, combining with two of his former Chelsea teammates who have set up shop in Serie A. First, Pulisic played a one-two with Ruben Loftus-Cheek (who says he helped persuade Pulisic to join him at the San Siro), and then he looked for a second combination with Olivier Giroud.
Before he could arrive and go to goal, though, Monza’s Danilo D’Ambrosio awkwardly swiped Pulisic’s legs out from under him, granting Milan a penalty.
Pulisic stepped up to take the spot kick himself, and while he couldn’t beat goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio with his shot, the rebound fell perfectly for the Hershey, Penn. native to touch home.
Pulisic’s teammate for club and country, Yunus Musah, was in uniform for Milan but ended up being an unused substitute.
Watch Pulisic’s first AC Milan goal
— USMNTvsHaters Burner (@USMNTvsHaters2) August 8, 2023
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