Christian Pulisic began the new chapter of his club career on Monday with AC Milan and the U.S. men’s national team star didn’t have to wait long to make an early impact.
Pulisic delivered a screamer of a debut goal for the Rossoneri on Monday in a 2-0 Serie A victory over Bologna. The 24-year-old also helped spring the AC Milan attack during the opening goal at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
“I’m very excited to get my first goal on my debut at the club,” Pulisic said postmatch in a club interview. “I just remember driving at the back four and playing a nice 1-2 with Ollie [Oliver Giroud], then the only option was to shoot and it was a perfect finish at the back post. From there it was nice to celebrate with my teammates.”
Pulisic’s back post cross in the 11th minute was played back across the Bologna box by Tijani Reijnders, allowing Oliver Giroud to finish inside of the box for a 1-0 lead. Although it didn’t go down as an assist on the play, Pulisic’s cross helped make the play happen for Stefano Pioli’s men.
After distributing on AC Milan’s opening goal, Pulisic called his own number in the 21st minute. A 1-2 pass between Pulisic and Giroud allowed the USMNT attacker the opportunity to stroke a right-footed shot from long-range into the top-left corner.
It was Pulisic’s first competitive goal for the Rossoneri since joining in a summer transfer from Chelsea.
Pulisic was replaced in the 73rd minute by Samuel Chukwueze, receiving a positive ovation from the traveling AC Milan fans. He won four of his six duels, completed two dribbles, and created two chances.
Pulisic became the first American player to score in three of the top-five European leagues (Serie A, English Premier League, Bundesliga).
“I’m enjoying my time with the team a lot,” Pulisic added. “It’s a great group of guys, the city has been fantastic so far, the support from the fans has been great and now I’m really excited to play in San Siro next week.
“Getting the clean sheet today was important, it’s always important to start off the season with one,” he added. “The early goals certainly helped us, but wouldn’t say tonight was an easy match. We made a lot of good defensive players and it was good to start off the season with a win.”
AC Milan would hang on for an opening weekend victory, setting up a Matchday 2 showdown with Torino at the San Siro.
Awesome striker and overall game. The USMNT players are looking really good in their opening games. I love it!!!!! Is it me or IS SERIE A looking like a brutal league…..what the?
https://youtu.be/SfOVuDl4GOE
What do you mean by brutal?
“Brutal” in that I didn’t know Serie A for hard tackles and fouls….
10 fouls by Bologna!!!
(Just 4 fouls by AC Milan)
…and as we both know US players are prone to injury at the height of their season. so fingers crossed
Brutal meaning…slow paced and boring. A lot of standing around and looking at each other. No wonder Italy can’t qualify for World Cups. They play at a snail’s pace. Bundesliga and plays at 78rpm, Premier League at 45rpm and Italy at 33.
bizzy
“Brutal” in that I didn’t know Serie A for hard tackles and fouls….”
Serie A defenders, Italian defenders have long been known for ruthless, vicious, dirty fouls. They have been amongst the dirtiest, certainly in Europe. And quite unapologetic about it.
The Brits tend to be more 100 miles an hour all the time but they aren’t harder tacklers or anything like that.
“…and as we both know US players are prone to injury at the height of their season. ”
US players are not exceptional in that respect. You just hear about them getting hurt more.
Video is now blocked. Here’s from Ives’ employer that should be good.
https://youtu.be/Jq3v9q59Elw
Hockey assist and a goal and close to adding another assist. Very good start for him. Overall he was the danger man for Milan in attack today.
Also liked his overall attitude. Very business like today and focused.
Chelsea days flashback there. Great understanding with Giroud during the game…… lol you could see Rafael Leao getting a little frustrated at times because they were trying to work the ball to the right through Pulisic a little more.