A Dull Day For Christian Pulisic!

Christian Pulisic didn’t get any goal for AC Milan on Sunday, but Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao combined for the only finish they’d need to defeat Napoli. Milan needed the win, especially after crosstown rivals Inter won 4-2 earlier in the weekend to maintain their lead in Serie A.

AC Milan is eight points behind Inter after playing one more game, making every point vital as they hope and pray that Inter slips up and opens up the Scudetto race. The Frenchman scored the goal with one of his trademark runs from left back. Leao found Hernandez, who scored with a clinical finish in the 25th minute to take the lead

Milan had several good chances, including one from Leao in the 87th minute. Despite failing to convert any of those chances, Milan’s defense held firm to secure a critical 1-0 victory. Pulisic had his moments early, particularly in the first few minutes, when he appeared destined to frustrate Napoli’s Pasquale Mazzocchi throughout the game. The American, however, did not take off, with Milan primarily leaning towards Leao on the left flank while constructing their assaults.

Pulisic was limited to 34 touches, four of which were in the opposing box, and his first shot was blocked. A penalty claim in the 77th minute was denied, but Pulisic didn’t grumble much afterwards. Yunus Musah, a USMNT teammate, was one of Milan’s first players off the bench, replacing Ismael Bennacer in midfield in the 65th minute.

Milan will now focus on the start of their Europa League campaign, having been eliminated from the Champions League after finishing third in the group round. Their first Europa League match will be on Thursday, when they host French side Rennes to begin the elimination rounds.