American Players Back in Action After Winter Break
Europe's top leagues resume this weekend following the winter break, with several American internationals set to feature prominently across Italy and France.
In Serie A, AC Milan's Christian Pulisic leads the American contingent when the Rossoneri visit Cagliari on Friday. The 27-year-old forward currently ranks second among the league's top scorers, helping Milan maintain their position as runners-up to Inter Milan. However, his manager, Massimiliano Allegri, recently suggested Pulisic remains below peak fitness, noting the midfielder is "still not 100 percent" due to a minor flexor issue affecting his passing decisions.
Saturday features Juventus hosting Lecce, with Weston McKennie in action. The 27-year-old has become integral under manager Luciano Spalletti, starting every Serie A match this season. However, contract negotiations have stalled ahead of his deal expiring in 2026, with McKennie's agent Cory Gibbs recently dismissing reports of disputes over commission fees as "false information" and "lies and propaganda."
Yunus Musah's Atalanta will also face Roma on Saturday as the Americans look to maintain their strong Serie A presence.
Across the border in Ligue 1, Friday sees Mark McKenzie's Toulouse welcome Lens before Monaco's Folarin Balogun hosts Lyon on Saturday. The 24-year-old striker has rediscovered his form under manager Sébastien Pocognoli, scoring six goals in ten matches after a difficult start to the campaign. Balogun credits Ligue 1 with developing his physicality and decision-making, though he describes himself as an "unorthodox" striker given his background as a winger at Arsenal. Timothy Weah's Marseille rounds out the weekend on Sunday against Nantes.
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