Trailing 1-0, USMNT star Christian Pulisic stepped up in a high-pressure second to equalize for AC Milan within the Italian Tremendous Cup semifinal in opposition to Juventus. The ahead confidently transformed a penalty, preserving Milan’s hopes alive within the conflict.
Juventus took the lead within the twenty first minute by means of Kenan Yildiz, placing Milan on the again foot for the rest of the primary half. Struggling to search out alternatives, Il Rossonero emerged extra decided within the second half, ultimately incomes a penalty kick that shifted the sport’s momentum.
The decisive second got here when Theo Hernandez made a surging run into the field, solely to be stopped by Nicolo Savona. Within the ensuing scramble, Pulisic latched onto the free ball however was introduced down by Manuel Locatelli, prompting the referee to level to the spot.
Pulisic instantly claimed the ball and took accountability for the penalty. With a robust strike down the center, goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio couldn’t comprise the ferocious strike and introduced Milan degree, marking the primary aim of the Sergio Conceicao period.
Milan capitalized on the momentum a couple of minutes later when Emerson Royal and Alvaro Morata mixed brilliantly to search out Yunus Musah on the fitting flank. A deflection off Juventus center-back Federico Gatti turned the cross into an personal aim, giving Milan a vital 2-1 lead.
The penalty in opposition to Juventus was Pulisic’s ninth aim of the season and got here in his first match again after an ankle harm that sidelined him in opposition to Roma. With only one coaching session underneath Conceicao, Pulisic returned to the beginning XI and delivered a standout efficiency.
Who will Milan face within the closing
AC Milan will face their metropolis rivals Inter Milan within the Italian Tremendous Cup closing on Monday, January 6, on the Kingdom Enviornment. This marks their first European trophy conflict of 2025 and a rematch of the 2023 closing, the place Inter dominated Milan with a 3-0 victory.
Pulisic accomplished the total 90 minutes in opposition to Juventus, showcasing his readiness for the ultimate. In the meantime, Milan star Rafael Leao, sidelined with a flexor pressure sustained in opposition to Hellas Verona, was absent from the bench. In his place, winger Alex Jimenez began in opposition to Juventus. It stays to be seen if Leao will get well in time for the derby showdown.
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