Christian Pulisic makes big statement in Derby della Madonnina

AC Milan secured a hard-fought derby victory over city rivals Inter Milan on Sunday, highlighted by a game-winning goal by Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic missed the November international break with USMNT while recovering from a low-grade hamstring injury. He returned to the AC Milan starting XI for the Derby della Madonnina and provided the crucial goal in a 1-0 win.

The 27-year-old started the season in real form, contributing seven goals and two assists in his first ten appearances in all competitions. However injuries curbed his momentum and Sunday’s strike was the first since September 28, when Pulisic found the back of the net in a 2-1 win over Napoli.

That strike takes Pulisic to five goals in the 2025/26 Serie A season, a tally that puts him level with Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini and Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu at the top of the scoring charts.

The derby day victory moves Milan up to second in the table with 25 points, just two shy of league-leading AS Roma.

“It means everything, honestly, just the result today means even more, puts us in a good place,” Pulisic said after the game, reflecting on the win. “I’m really happy to come back after tough moments in the last month and to help the team win.”

“I think I can improve even more. I don’t feel 100% sharp after coming back from an injury and some time out, but it just shows the resilience. I work really hard, and I’m happy a moment like today can come. So it means a lot to me.”

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