Winger Scores the Winner in the Derby Della Madonnina
Christian Pulisic delivered when it mattered most, scoring the decisive goal in AC Milan's 1-0 Derby Della Madonnina victory over Inter Milan at San Siro on Sunday. The 27-year-old USMNT star's clinical finish proved the difference in a heated rivalry match with genuine title implications, moving Milan into second place in Serie A.
The crucial moment arrived in the 54th minute when Rafael Leao orchestrated an attack that found Alexis Saelemaekers wide. The Belgian winger slipped while shooting, but his effort was pushed away by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, Pulisic exemplified the striker's instinct by continuing his run. At the same time, Inter defender Manuel Akanji reacted a split second too late, allowing the American to tap home the rebound for an easy finish.
The goal marked Pulisic's triumphant return to full fitness after missing four consecutive Serie A matches with a hamstring injury. He had managed just 20 minutes against Parma before the international break and was held out of USMNT duty for matches against Paraguay and Uruguay to manage his recovery.
His fifth Serie A goal of the campaign levels him with Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu and Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini as joint top scorers in what has been a finish-challenged season across the league. Combined with two assists in eight Serie A appearances and goals in both of Milan's Coppa Italia fixtures, Pulisic has registered seven goals across all competitions.
The victory was secured despite Inter's dominant possession and multiple chances, with Mike Maignan producing heroics, including a spectacular penalty save from Calhanoglu in the 73rd minute. Pulisic's derby goal was his third against Inter, having previously scored in September 2024's league encounter and January 2025's Supercoppa Italiana final.
No comments:
Post a Comment