USMNT star Christian Pulisic scores against Juventus, helping secure Milan derby matchup in Italian Super Cup final

It was a dream debut for a rookie. AC Milan The team led by Saudi Arabian coach Sergio Conceição won 2-1. juventus They booked themselves a showdown with their rivals in the semi-finals. lead For a chance to lift Italy's first trophy of the season, the Supercoppa Italiana, on Monday (2 PM ET | Paramount+).

Conceição made little change from their first match since Paulo Fonseca was sacked following a 1-1 draw at home to AS. Rome Last Sunday. He had to deal with the absence of the winger Raphael LeaoChristian Pulisic, who had been sidelined due to a minor injury, finally returned after missing the last four games (26th) due to a calf injury.

The first half was not easy at all as Milan were exposed to all the problems they have had to deal with so far this season, with some defensive errors and only a few chances created. It was no coincidence that Thiago Motta's Juve took the lead on the night through Yildiz's sweet strike.

Of course, it was the American who sparked the Rossoneri's second-half comeback. It wasn't until the former Rossoneri midfielder. Manuel Locatelli In the 70th minute, when the game began to turn around, Pulisic was tackled into the box. The American star converted the spot kick and hit Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio's glove into the center with a powerful shot.

Three minutes after the two sides were level, American midfielder Yunus Musah rushed down the right flank and looked set to fire a powerful cross for Tammy Abraham, but was cleared by Juve defender Federico Gatti. I missed it. Due to the deflection, Di Gregorio lost his position and fell into despair. All he could do was watch the ball slip out of his reach and into the back of the net.

AC Milan secured a 2-1 result that seemed to highlight all the problems they have shown so far this season, but two unexpected goals completely changed the perception of the semi-final and put more pressure on Juventus manager Thiago Motta. Conceição may have a bit of a laugh, but there's plenty of work to do in the coming weeks, starting with the final, which hosts the first Derby della Madonnina of the year.

After the game, the Portuguese coach told MediaSet: “For the first 45 minutes in the locker room, I didn't kiss the players. I was a little upset. They didn't do what we prepared for. So I'm a little upset. I'm not a very nice person, I don't like hugs. I'm the opposite. They tend to get angry more often. What's important to them is to do a good job and have a lot of positive energy.” AC Milan fans will appreciate these words. There's still a lot of work to be done, but at least we're off to a good start as we await the final against our city rivals on Monday, January 6th. Paramount+.