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Pulisic Scores First Goal of 2026 for Milan
Confirmed
In Short: Christian Pulisic scored his first goal of the season for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory against Lecce on Sunday.
Christian Pulisic scored his first goal of the 2026 season for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory against Lecce at San Siro on Sunday.
The goal came in the 14th minute when center back Strahinja Pavlovic launched a long ball over the top, and Pulisic controlled it with his right foot, letting it bounce before sweeping it past goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone with his left foot from 14 yards out.
Pulisic's inclusion in the starting lineup was a significant moment for the American winger, who had been slowly integrated into the team following an injury-plagued World Cup that ended with a microfracture in his leg.
Pulisic's goal marked the first time Milan had scored at San Siro since a 2-2 draw in October 2019, ending a streak of five consecutive defeats without scoring in Serie A and Coppa Italia.
Milan doubled their lead in the 61st minute when Adrien Rabiot scored after a well-worked passing move involving Gonçalo Ramos.
Diego Moreira added the third goal for Milan in the second half, securing the 3-0 victory.
The win keeps Milan unbeaten in Serie A and moves them into fifth place in the standings with three wins and two draws.
Ruben Amorim, Milan's new coach, emphasized the importance of the goal, noting that Pulisic's ability to control the tempo of the game is crucial despite occasional struggles with pressing.
Amorim also highlighted the example set by former Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, praising his passion and legacy as a Milan legend.
What this adds
Pulisic's goal is a significant milestone for the winger, who had been sidelined due to injury and was slowly reintegrated into the team.
The win against Lecce marks a return to form for Milan, ending a streak of five consecutive defeats without scoring.
Background
Christian Pulisic scored his first goal of the season for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory against Lecce on Sunday, Sept. 20, at San Siro.
What's confirmed
- Christian Pulisic scored his first goal of the 2026 season for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory against Lecce at San Siro on Sunday.
- The goal came in the 14th minute when center back Strahinja Pavlovic launched a long ball over the top, and Pulisic controlled it with his right foot, letting it bounce before sweeping it past goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone with his left foot from 14 yards out.
- Pulisic's inclusion in the starting lineup was a significant moment for the American winger, who had been slowly integrated into the team following an injury-plagued World Cup that ended with a microfracture in his leg.
- Pulisic's goal marked the first time Milan had scored at San Siro since a 2-2 draw in October 2019, ending a streak of five consecutive defeats without scoring in Serie A and Coppa Italia.
- Milan doubled their lead in the 61st minute when Adrien Rabiot scored after a well-worked passing move involving Gonçalo Ramos.
- Diego Moreira added the third goal for Milan in the second half, securing the 3-0 victory.
- The win keeps Milan unbeaten in Serie A and moves them into fifth place in the standings with three wins and two draws.
- Ruben Amorim, Milan's new coach, emphasized the importance of the goal, noting that Pulisic's ability to control the tempo of the game is crucial despite occasional struggles with pressing.
- Amorim also highlighted the example set by former Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso, praising his passion and legacy as a Milan legend.
What's still developing
- The play began with center back Strahinja Pavlovic scanning the field while deep in Milan's half, weighing his options with a series of teammates in front of him.
- Pulisic has his head turned toward Pavlovic and spots him getting ready to make a long pass, all while the defender realizes the American is in an ideal position to make a run towards goal.
- Pavlovic kicks things off and Pulisic is off to the races, easily outrunning two opponents as he enters the penalty area and takes a slick first touch with his right foot to control the ball.
- Pulisic's goal comes a week after he notched an assist in a 2-2 draw at Lazio, in which Milan came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit.
- Pochettino did not comment specifically on Pulisic's inclusion, instead emphasizing that the first post-World Cup friendlies are as good a chance as any to expand the player pool.
- Several big names returned after squad rotation, including the first Christian Pulisic start of the season.
- Pulisic 14 (M), Rabiot 61 (M), Moreira 73 (M) Your email address will not be published.
- Rabiot got down the right on the Pulisic back-heel flick, completed a give and go with Goncalo Ramos, allowing him to beat Falcone at the near post.
- The goal was Pulisic's first for Milan of the calendar year after his red-hot start to the 2025 campaign came to a screeching halt in 2026.
- Mike Maignan was called into action to make the save from Kialonda Gaspar, and before the break Milan went close in quick succession as Koni De Winter nodded wide before Pavlovic's effort was stopped by Wladimiro Falcone.
- Lecce looked to strike in the opening stages as Joel Monteiro and Ivan Ilic both went close, but Milan took the lead in the 14th minute through Pulisic.
- Estupinan fired wide as the hosts looked to build on their lead, and just moments later Moreira scored their third goal of the evening.