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Christian Pulisic came on as a substitute and supplied an assist to Rafael Leão during AC Milan’s 4-1 Coppa Italia Round of 16 victory vs. Cagliari on Tuesday.
Milan were favorites to win the game and had just played a Serie A game on Saturday vs. Sassuolo where Pulisic scored the winner.
Stefano Pioli rested several of his usual starters including the likes of Pulisic, Leão, Olivier Giroud and goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Pulisic replaced youngster Luka Romero in the 71st minute with Milan up 3-0. The USMNT star played a central attacking midfielder role for the first time this season.
The new position didn’t faze the American has he supplied his teammates with several key passes including the assist to Leão in the 91st minute.
Pulisic assist vs Cagliari
Christian Pulisic ➡️ Rafael Leao
AC Milan cruise to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/kQxrL279ro— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 2, 2024
This was Pulisic’s fifth assist for Milan across all competitions and his 12th goal contribution (goals + assists).
The goal will mean much more for Milan’s star man Leão who has been off to a slow start this season. Coming into Tuesday’s Coppa Italia match he had just four goals in 20 appearances.
Pulisic and Leão sat next to each other on the bench during the game, perhaps they drew this one up together.
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) January 2, 2024
Milan's victory sees the Rossoneri advance to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals on Jan. 9 where they await the winner between Atalanta and Sassuolo.
As for Pulisic it now marks three goals and three assists in his last seven games for Milan. This is dream come true for him and American fans as he’s in some of the best form of his career.
3 - Christian Pulisic (7 goals, 5 assists) is one of three Serie A players with at least 5 goals and 5 assists across all competitions this season (Olivier Giroud, Marcus Thuram). Versatile. pic.twitter.com/Qukp6KJqqZ
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) January 2, 2024
