Christian Pulisic is, so far, the most prolific player in Serie A this early season, and he illustrated that further with a brilliant assist and later a goal in a title-tilt with holders Napoli on Sunday.
All this after boss Max Allegri said before the game that the USMNT star was “wasn’t in great shape, but he was alright in this morning’s warm-up, so he will start.”
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Pulisic flew out of the gates with third-minute brilliance at the San Siro, flicking the ball on a turn past Giovanni Di Lorenzo in his own half.
The USMNT star then knew he’d have the beating of the 32-year-old Napoli veteran and tore down the left flank in a lung-busting run to touch into the box despite the best efforts of a sliding Di Lorenzo.
Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret had to respect Pulisic’s chance to shoot near post, and the American knew he had a lane to slide a pass through the box. That’s where Alexis Saelemaekers was to put Milan ahead 1-0.
Christian Pulisic adds goal for AC Milan versus Napoli (video)
Pulisic turned 27 this month but shows no signs of slowing down. He entered the week tied atop the Serie A goals leaderboard with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.
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Then he passed him in the 31st minute to double Milan’s home lead.