Christian Pulisic was delighted to get off the mark for AC Milan in 2026, and was even happier that it came in a winning effort.
Milan needed to get back to winning ways after a difficult couple of weeks, and they did so in convincing fashion by beating Lecce 3-0. Pulisic was the Man of the Match and he was the one who opened the scoring in the first half with a gorgeous touch and finish.
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Adrien Rabiot added a second in the second half after a lovely team move, and then Diego Moreira got his third goal for the club and the third of the night to put the contest to bed. It ensures that the Rossoneri will go into the break with a bit more positivity in the air.
Pulisic spoke to DAZN after the full-time whistle went at San Siro to offer his thoughts on a positive night both personally and for the team, with MilanNews relaying his words.
How are you feeling?
“I ran too much today and I feel very tired, but that’s okay: we played well as a team. It was a pleasure playing with these team-mates.”
What has 2026 been like for you?
“It was very difficult for me, and for the team too, until last season. But come on, I scored another goal today: now we just have to keep winning and that’s it.”
I know this is hard to hear for most impatient Milan fans, but here’s the proof of what Amorim has been saying for a while: Pulisic needed an still needs time to get back to full match fitness after his latest injury
I think everyone gets that. But starting garbage players and hoping to get the subs to save your games is the problem. Start your best and rotate according. Amorim seems to be stubborn playing guys who just don’t contribute much.
The point is finding ways to manage minutes.
And in the modern game, sometimes there’s room for some rope-a-dope tactics, saving some of the better players to come on when the opposition are more tired. We can say “Moreira has scored three, he should be starting” but maybe he’s scored three because he’s been introduced against more tired opponents.
What’s more, Milan will have to play in 3 different competitions (as long as nothing happens in Copa Italia) at LEAST until January. Rotation will be key.
this
The ones who didn’t run as much as Pulisic (everyone) aren’t as tired.