Milan, Sep 29 (AP) – Christian Pulisic showcased his immense talent and delivered a performance that will surely instill fear in Serie A opponents, leading AC Milan to a 2-1 triumph over the defending champions, Napoli. This defeat marked Napoli's first setback of the season.
Milan's head coach, Massimiliano Allegri, had confessed prior to kickoff that Pulisic was not at his physical peak. Nevertheless, the American international dazzled at San Siro, notching a goal and an assist before being replaced due to Milan's reduction to 10 men in the early stages of the second half. This match saw Pulisic scoring his sixth goal in just seven appearances for Milan.
AC Milan, alongside Napoli and Roma, currently tops the Serie A standings with 12 points, following Roma's 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona. Labeled as an early season title clash, this match also featured a face-off between two of Italy's most esteemed managers, Allegri and Napoli's Antonio Conte, meeting on the field for the first time in over a decade.
Milan had a blistering start, seizing an early lead within just 150 seconds thanks to Pulisic's brilliance. The American started from his own half, skillfully navigating past Luca Marianucci, maintaining possession down the left flank. Displaying remarkable footwork, he bypassed the Napoli defender once more before setting up Saelemaekers for an easy tap-in. Milan's lead could have been further extended as Pulisic's incisive through-ball was squandered by Youssouf Fofana, who missed the target.
Pulisic himself found the back of the net in the 31st minute, thanks to Strahinja Pavlovic's initiative. Pavlovic skilfully evaded several lackluster challenges before passing to Fofana, who in turn assisted Pulisic in scoring. Milan seemed poised for a commanding victory until defender Pervis Estupiñán committed a careless foul, conceding a penalty and earning a red card for a tactical foul on Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne successfully converted the penalty, marking his third goal in five matches after his free transfer from Manchester City. With Milan reduced to 10 players and needing to secure their narrow lead, Pulisic was subbed off to thunderous applause, replaced by defender Davide Bartesaghi.
In other matches, Artem Dovbyk made his mark by scoring his first goal of the season in his initial start for Roma, as they overcame Verona 2-0. However, it was Verona's squandered opportunities, particularly a glaring miss by Gift Orban in front of an open goal, that drew attention.
Roma, under Gian Piero Gasperini's leadership, continues to impress. In his short tenure, the former Atalanta manager has achieved victory in all but one of his six matches, demonstrating his adeptness at steering the Italian capital's football fortunes.
Another thrilling moment came when 17-year-old Francesco Camarda, on loan from Milan, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer for Lecce against Bologna, prompting scenes of jubilation and a yellow card for his enthusiastic celebration.
Elsewhere, Fiorentina's Moise Kean had a pair of goals disallowed due to offside rulings in a goalless draw against Pisa, which also saw a Pisa goal annulled for handball. Sassuolo emerged victorious against Udinese with a 3-1 result. (AP)
