The ex-Chelsea striker secured a slim 1-0 win for Milan in the last game of 2023 on Saturday, calmly scoring after Ismael Bennacer set him up in the 59th minute at San Siro. The outstanding performance of the U.S. national team standout has been crucial for Pioli’s team, especially since Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud are presently experiencing a prolonged goal drought at home in Serie A.
After the win, Pioli commented, stating, “Opinions may vary, but Chris is an exceptional player. He possesses skill, energy, and a strong desire to perform. Additionally, he consistently finds the net, a challenging feat for a winger. He’s versatile and can excel in various positions. Moreover, his approach and preparation for matches reflect his excellent character.”
Pulisic secured a crucial three-point victory for Milan, narrowing the gap to nine points behind Inter, the current leaders in the Scudetto race at the midway point of the season. Milan occupies the third spot in the league standings with 36 points, maintaining a three-point lead over Fiorentina in fourth place. Pulisic has made a significant impact with 10 goal contributions in 16 appearances, showcasing his consistent performance. This reliability is undoubtedly a positive note for USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter as he looks ahead to the Nations League semifinals in the upcoming Spring and the Copa America scheduled to take place on home soil next summer.
Pulisic will hope to continue his rich vein of form heading into 2024. Milan will return to action on January 2 in the Coppa Italia against Cagliari, before shifting attention to Serie A action once again the following weekend against Empoli.
