Christian Pulisic couldn’t have scripted a better comeback. After missing out with a hamstring injury, the American star returned to AC Milan’s starting line-up on Sunday and immediately made an impression, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 Derby della Madonnina win over Inter Milan.
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The performance not only signaled Milan’s ambitions to win the Serie A title, but was also a sigh of relief for the United States men’s national team, which expects Pulisic to be a key figure next summer when the 2026 FIFA World Cup is held in the United States.
For a player who has been in sensational form all season (six goals in eight appearances before injury), this was confirmation that his momentum wasn’t going anywhere. And it took place on the biggest national stage Italy has to offer.
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The match wasn’t a typical shootout, but it was the gritty, emotional, razor-sharp game that characterizes Milan derbies. Inter controlled the opening stages, forcing Mike Maignan to make some big saves and hitting the post twice in the first half.
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Pulisic had a near miss of his own in the 44th minute, with his shot just wide of the target as Milan gained their footing. But after half-time, he delivered the moment that changed everything.
In the 54th minute, after a lightning counter-attack by the Rossoneri, Alexis Saelemaker’s shot squeezed in Jan Sommer’s rebound and Pulisic pounced on it, calmly slotting the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead. This was the Americans’ third goal in their last six games against Inter. Big stages, big opponents, big goals – Pulisic’s trademarks.
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AC Milan didn’t just need an attacking hero. They needed one point for the goal. That came in the 74th minute when Pavlovi was adjudged to have fouled Marcus Thuram and Inter were awarded a penalty by VAR. Former Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanoglu stepped up, but Maignan denied him brilliantly, diving at full force to preserve the lead. From then on, Milan held on with grit and composure. Inter pushed forward relentlessly, but the Rossoneri’s defensive wall remained solid until the final whistle. The derby was theirs. Milan was the Rossonera, at least that night.
A significant win – for AC Milan and the United States This victory is a huge boost for AC Milan in the Serie A title race. The Rossoneri moved into second place, along with Napoli, two points behind leaders Roma. Their unbeaten derby record since last season remains intact, and their results against this year’s top teams (Roma, Napoli, Bologna, and now Inter) are sending a message to all of Italy.
For the USMNT, the implications are just as important. The United States needs Christian Pulisic to be healthy and in confident form for next summer’s home World Cup. After a frustrating injury setback, his immediate impact upon his return is exactly what the national team was hoping for. Sharp, decisive, and a goal scorer, Pulisic is the best version of Pulisic and gives the United States a real chance to advance in the World Cup.
