Christian Pulisic is heading into the Milan derby with a clear goal in mind: to break his goal drought and extend his positive run against Inter.
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As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo at the bottom), Pulisic is hoping that history will repeat itself after deciding the reverse fixture against Inter. Not just to experience the feelings of another derby win, but also to break his goal drought in 2026.
In the Derby della Madonnina, Pulisic has found the back of the net three times, and Milan have always prevailed when he has done so. A goal can thus be liberating in multiple ways, especially since the Rossoneri are under quite a lot of pressure in the standings.
Desire never questioned
As the newspaper continues, it’s clear that Pulisic isn’t going through his best moment since joining the Rossoneri in 2023. Bursitis has prevented him from training at his best, and his physical condition is no longer what it was at the end of 2025.
However, his dedication has never suffered: in fact, he has been working more than usual to recover strength, going to Milanello even on his days off. One thing is clear and that is Pulisic’s willingness to become a key player for this team once again.
Tomorrow, three crucial points are up for grabs in the Champions League race, while it would also prevent Inter from running away with the Scudetto. Getting back to within seven points of Inter would certainly add spice to the league ahead of the final ten matchdays.
One goal to relieve the pressure
During yesterday’s training session at Milanello, Massimiliano Allegri didn’t hesitate when choosing the attacking partner for Rafael Leao, opting for Pulisic. He’s counting on the pair’s pace to trouble the Nerazzurri defence, and will thus keep Nkunku and Füllkrug on the bench.
The gaffer is well aware of Pulisic’s nine-game goal drought in 2026, a run that is highly unusual for the American since he has 42 goals in 124 appearances, or one goal every three matches. Now is the time to get back on track, in other words, and the quality is there to do so.
The mistakes in front of goal against Fiorentina, Genoa, Lecce, and Cremonese have weighed heavily on the No.11, and he’s desperate to erase them. It will be up to Allegri, as such, to ensure that Pulisic keeps his composure amid the desperation.
Positive derby record
The games against Inter have brought Pulisic luck. Another way to describe it would be that the games have inspired him a lot, seeing as he has scored three goals in eight encounters. Furthermore, whenever he has scored the back of the net, Milan have always won.
The first was on September 22, 2024, in the 2-1 win in the designated away game. The second was on January 6, 2025, in the Supercoppa Italian final in Riyadh. The third, meanwhile, was on November 23 in another designated away game (the reverse fixture).
The curious thing is that he hasn’t scored in any of Milan’s ‘home derbies’, so perhaps tomorrow will be the day. Indeed, the fans are certainly hoping that he will be able to extend his positive record against the Nerazzurri.
The fact that Milan could do the double over the rivals adds a lot to the game, even if it also comes with some pressure.
