Christian Pulisic scores brilliant goal for Milan in Serie A debut
Christian Pulisic began his Milan career in impressive style by scoring one goal and setting up another during his team’s 2-0 victory over Bologna in their opening match of the Serie A season.
Pulisic, who joined Milan last month, had a hand in Olivier Giroud’s opener and his former Chelsea teammate returned the favor in the 21st minute.
“It was a fantastic start for sure,” Pulisic said. “I’m really excited to be a part of this team. The two early goals really helped us because it was a difficult game after that. And for me just a great start personally as well, nice to get a goal.”
The USA star is one of several new faces for the Rossoneri. Milan were the busiest Serie A club in the offseason, bringing in six new players, including Pulisic’s USA teammate Yunus Musah, who was suspended for the season opener.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders also made their first starts, and the latter also had a hand in the opener in the 11th minute.
Pulisic said the presence of former teammates played a part in his decision to join Milan.
“It was just speaking with those guys,” Pulisic said. “With Olivier we had some good experiences together, I played with Fikayo [Tomori], I played with Ruben [Loftus Cheek] and the connection is just there, as you can see tonight again. And it was great to get the assist from Ollie again. It just felt like the perfect step in my career and I feel really, really welcome.”
Pulisic put in a precise cross to the back post where Reijnders cut it back for Giroud to slot home.
Pulisic did even better 10 minutes later when he played a one-two with Giroud before slamming the ball home from just outside the area. In doing so, he became the first American to score in the German, English and Italian top flights.
“We are very happy with this first match and I am even happier for Christian,” Giroud said. “I know him very well, we played together and had a good relationship on the field.”
With a comfortable lead and the heat nearing 30C (86F) in Bologna, Milan’s intensity dropped.
Rafael Leão could have made it three in the final minute but his effort came off the inside of the far post.