U.S. star Pulisic says he has one clear end-of-year objective

AC Milan head into the final stretch of the year with momentum and a familiar face growing ever more influential inside the club – Captain America himself. As part of Matchday 17 of the current Serie A season, Massimiliano Allegri’s side host a desperate Hellas Verona fighting to escape the relegation zone. For Milan, the objective is clear but only partly in their hands: they must win and hope Inter fail to collect all three points. If that happens, the Rossoneri would close out 2025 as leaders of Italian soccer.

From Milan’s perspective, finishing the year at the top of Serie A does not look overly far-fetched. Inter travel to face Atalanta in Bergamo, a notoriously difficult test for the side coached by Cristian Chivu. Still, both Milan clubs are determined to end the year with a victory, especially after their recent disappointments in the Italian Super Cup semifinals – a competition ultimately won by Napoli against Bologna.

Pulisic wants the top of Italy

Christian Pulisic wants it all. Not only is he determined to lead Milan to another crucial victory, but on a personal level he knows he has a genuine chance to take control of the Serie A scoring race. Inter striker Lautaro Martínez arrives on eight goals, while Pulisic follows closely with seven, ahead of players such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Nico Paz, who both have six.

After Milan’s stumble in the Italian Super Cup semifinal – a game in which more was expected from the American forward given his strong form – Pulisic is well aware that he now has a golden opportunity. It is a chance to shine, to put a definitive seal on 2025, and to build momentum heading into a World Cup year in which his national team will be one of the tournament’s three hosts.

So far this Serie A season, Christian Pulisic has recorded seven goals and two assists in the 10 games he has played, emerging as one of Milan’s most consistent and decisive performers. With Rafael Leão ruled out, a decision confirmed by Allegri in his pregame remarks, the responsibility for leading the attack now falls squarely on the American’s shoulders.

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