Pulisic's First Missed Penalty

Winger's Penalty Saved As Milan Falls to Torino

Christian Pulisic experienced the first penalty miss of his professional career as AC Milan suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Torino in Serie A on Saturday. The American forward's perfect record from the spot, which included 12 successful conversions stretching back to 2014, ended when Torino goalkeeper Sergej Milinkovic-Savic saved his first-half effort.

The crucial moment came in the 31st minute after a handball by a Torino defender gave Milan a chance to equalize following an early own goal by Malick Thiaw. Pulisic stepped up confidently, having previously converted seven penalties for the U.S. national team, three for Milan, one for Borussia Dortmund's youth team, and one for the U.S. Under-17s. However, his low strike was well-read by Milinkovic-Savic, who dove to his right to make the save.

The miss proved costly for Milan, who had to wait until the 74th minute for Tijjani Reijnders to level the score. Two minutes later, Torino substitute Gvidas Gineitis restored the hosts' lead. The defeat left Milan in seventh place, six points adrift of the Champions League places.

Reflecting on a difficult evening, Pulisic took to social media to address Milan's supporters. "Really tough week. Hate letting down this amazing fan base. Will give everything to finish this season on a positive note," he wrote on Instagram. The save continued an impressive run of form for Milinkovic-Savic, who has now saved four of the five penalties he has faced this season – more than any other goalkeeper in Europe's top five leagues.

Pulisic will look to bounce back when Milan faces Bologna on Thursday. The American is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup as the Rossoneri attempt to revive their faltering top-four hopes.