When Milan lined up in opposition to Lecce, followers have been fast to note the absence of considered one of their most dependable figures from the beginning XI. Christian Pulisic, so typically the person for decisive moments in purple and black, was lacking from the preliminary choice. Hypothesis rapidly swirled concerning the cause behind his exclusion, particularly given the Rossoneri’s uneven begin to the season.
Milan entered the match trying to regular its footing after a disappointing league opener in opposition to Cremonese. The sport in Lecce proved removed from easy, with two Milan objectives dominated out earlier than the impasse was damaged. Frustration lingered till Ruben Loftus-Cheek supplied the breakthrough, heading in Luka Modric’s free-kick.
The lead, nonetheless, remained fragile. Lecce pressed ahead, and the customer’s makeshift assault — that includes Alexis Saelemaekers and Santiago Gimenez in a 3-5-2 formation — lacked the incisiveness normally introduced by Rafael Leãao, who was sidelined with harm, and Pulisic, who watched on from the bench.
The turning level arrived within the 76th minute. Massimiliano Allegri turned to Pulisic, introducing him for Saelemaekers as Milan sought stability and a second objective to shut the competition. Along with his very first touches, the American as soon as once more confirmed his knack for delivering when it issues most.
Pouncing on an error from the house facet’s defence, the 26-year-old calmly slotted dwelling to double Milan’s benefit. It was his second objective of the season — and one other reminder of why followers name him Captain America.
The harm that sparked concern
Behind the scenes, there had been concern about Pulisic’s health. Studies from Sky Italia revealed that the winger has been battling an ankle problem, one which additionally stored him out of parts of Milan’s pre-season. The issue resurfaced within the days main as much as the Lecce conflict, forcing Allegri right into a cautious method.
The American had been a starter within the membership’s earlier matches, together with the Coppa Italia win over Bari and the league defeat to Cremonese. However in Lecce, Allegri judged it safer to ease him again, utilizing him as an influence substitute slightly than threat aggravating the difficulty.
After the match, Pulisic addressed the hypothesis with a mixture of honesty and optimism. Chatting with Sky Italia, the ahead clarified his situation and mirrored on the decisive objective: “I’m wonderful. I had some issues, however I’m wonderful now. Immediately I feel I touched the ball 3 times, however I scored. It was a phenomenal night time.”
The phrases supplied reassurance for each Rossoneri followers and USMNT fanatics. Having opted out of worldwide responsibility earlier this summer time to recuperate, Pulisic has since been known as as much as the U.S. males’s nationwide crew roster for upcoming friendlies in opposition to South Korea and Japan.
