Musah's First League Start for Atalanta

 Midfielder Earns First Serie A Start as a Loanee in Win Over Genoa

Yunus Musah finally received a meaningful opportunity in Atalanta colors on Sunday, earning his first Serie A start for the club in their hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Genoa at Marassi. The 23-year-old American midfielder, who turned that age just three weeks ago, partnered effectively with Ederson in the center of the park, completing 90 minutes for the first time since his August move from Milan.

The performance marked a significant breakthrough for Musah, who had managed just 320 minutes across all competitions this season—most of that coming in a September appearance against PSG in the Champions League. Atalanta invested heavily in the New York-born midfielder, paying €5 million for an initial loan with an obligation to buy of €20 million in June.

Manager Raffaele Palladino had praised Musah's training ground attitude and positive mentality in his pre-match press conference, hinting at increased opportunities following an extended acclimatization period. The American delivered with a composed display, completing 53-of-57 passes (93% accuracy), winning six of nine ground duels, and contributing three tackles.

"I'm really happy. I've been waiting for this moment for a while," Musah explained afterward. "I was as happy as if it was my debut."

Isak Hien's 94th-minute header secured the points after Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali's third-minute red card. For Musah, patience and persistence finally paid dividends as he looks to establish himself in Palladino's plans.

Another McKennie Assist

Midfielder Records His Second Assist in Three League Matches as Juventus Beats Roma

Weston McKennie's tactical evolution under Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti continues to bear fruit, with the versatile American playing a pivotal role in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Roma at Allianz Stadium. The win moved the Bianconeri to within a single point of fourth place, extending their impressive recent form to six wins in their last seven matches across all competitions.

McKennie's contribution came in the 70th minute when his header forced a save from Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Though the initial effort was stopped, Svilar spilled the rebound, allowing McKennie to lay it off to Lois Openda to tap home Juventus' second goal. The assist marked McKennie's second of the season, adding to his two goals—all four contributions arriving in just the past four weeks.

Former Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni praised Spalletti's innovative deployment of the 27-year-old Texan, calling it something unseen in two decades of Italian football. McKennie operates wide as a right wing-back when Juventus are out of possession, tracking opposing attackers. However, once the Bianconeri have the ball, he transforms into a genuine second striker, cutting inside centrally to create numerical advantages in attack. This tactical fluidity has proven decisive, particularly against top-four rivals Bologna and Roma. McKennie's adaptability continues to showcase why he remains indispensable to both club and country.

Pepi Keeps Scoring

Forward Scores in Fourth Straight League Match, Assisted by His Compatriot

Ricardo Pepi's resurgence continues to gather momentum as the 22-year-old forward netted his fourth consecutive Eredivisie goal in PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 victory over Utrecht on Sunday. After struggling through injury troubles earlier in 2025, the striker is hitting his stride at precisely the right moment, with the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime after Mike van der Hoorn's header gave Utrecht the lead, PSV emerged reinvigorated after the break. The turnaround began in the 52nd minute when fellow American Sergino Dest delivered a perfectly weighted pass from the right side of the penalty area. The right-back's ball beat two defenders and found Pepi in the six-yard box, where he calmly slotted home a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

It marked the first time this season the USMNT duo had combined for a goal, with Dest registering his fifth Eredivisie assist of the campaign. Ivan Perišić completed the comeback 14 minutes from time, heading home from a well-worked corner routine to secure PSV's 15th league victory.

The win extended PSV's commanding lead at the top of the table to 12 points before the winter break. For Pepi, now wearing the prestigious No. 9 shirt inherited from departed legend Luuk de Jong, the goal brought his season tally to nine across all competitions—a statement of intent as he builds his case for a starting role under Mauricio Pochettino.