Christian Pulisic was unable to work his magic as AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Serie A bottom club Salernitana on Friday.
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AC Milan draw with Serie A bottom teamBig blow to Rossoneri's title hopesPulisic disappointed and substitutedGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Milan looked to be on their way to victory when their early dominance was rewarded with a goal from Fikayo Tomori in the 17th minute. However, the home team fought back and managed to pull level from a fantastic header by Federico Fazio shortly before half-time. The struggling hosts were able to keep up their momentum despite the break and took the lead after 63 minutes when Antonio Candreva fired in from distance, though goalkeeper Mike Maignan should have saved it. Luckily for the goalkeeper, Luka Jovic popped up to score an equaliser and seal a point for the visitors.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The draw comes as a blow to Stefano Pioli's side. They are eight points behind Serie A leaders Inter and five behind second-placed Juventus but have now played one more game than their rivals, who face Lecce and Frosinone respectively on Saturday.
Salernitana, meanwhile, will be devastated to lose their lead but a point will be a help for the struggling team. They stay bottom of the table but could manage to escape the relegation zone if they can build on this draw.
Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT
While Pulisic was far from the worst Milan player on the field, his underwhelming display on the right wing will not have impressed United States coach Gregg Berhalter. Given Salernitana's struggles this season, it was a great opportunity for a player like Pulisic to step up and dazzle the crowd. Instead, he barely influenced the game and was no direct threat, seeing his only shot sail over the bar after eight minutes.
Nevertheless, the performance will not have much of an effect on his USMNT prospects as he remains a key figure for Berhalter and is guaranteed a place in the squad when fit. He will likely be involved when the USA face Slovenia in an international friendly in January.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Christian Pulisic (5/10):
Playing on the right wing, the 25-year-old had a few decent runs but was underwhelming overall. Milan had the majority of possession and pushed high up as they looked to capitalise on their dominance but Pulisic was unable to have much of an effect. As Milan fell behind, it was obvious Pioli needed to make some changes to get his team back in the game. Pulisic was understandably sacrificed, with Samuel Chukwueze taking his place for the final 20 minutes.
