CM: Misfiring Pulisic facing his ‘most important’ derby – the reasons

Christian Pulisic was the match-winner in the previous match against Inter, but the derby coming up is his ‘most important’ yet.

As Calciomercato.com recall, Inter have built up a 10-point lead at the top since that night when Pulisic’s goal secured the bragging rights, thanks to 14 wins and one draw in the 15 games since. That night, the American was alert and ready to take the chance, something he has done less in recent weeks.

Pulisic has lost his composure as the weeks have passed, partly due to the physical problems he’s been dealing with for months. He struggled with an ankle injury he sustained while playing for the national team, then he had to deal with a hamstring issue and finally with bursitis.

The biggest derby yet?

The day after the Cremonese victory, the coaching staff shared a collective opinon: Christopher Nkunku is physically and mentally better than Pulisic, and he deserves a starting chance in the derby.

The belief remains strong, but Allegri has spoken extensively with Pulisic in recent days and received the answers he wanted. After all, it would be a bold call to send the former Chelsea man to the bench, and so Pulisic is the favourite to partner Leao in the derby.

To beat Chivu’s team and reopen the title race, Milan need the best possible version of Christian Pulisic the one who managed to score an impressive eight goals in the first months of the 2025-26 Serie A season.

Then, his aim faltered and the USA captain couldn’t find the back of the net. His last league goal came on December 28th in a home win against Verona. Since then, nine appearances without an assist or a goal have followed.

Now, however, the perfect time has come to make an impact again, and Chris has already found the back of the net three times for Inter in a derby. It will be an important derby for Pulisic, probably his ‘most important’, also to send a message to the club.

His deal is set to expire in 2027 (though Milan have an option to extend by one year) and there has been some talk of a future away from the Rossoneri. A big night on Sunday would silence all that for a while.