Pulisic’s Starting Role for AC Milan vs. Udinese Still Unclear

MILAN, Italy — AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has yet to decide whether Christian Pulisic will start in Saturday’s Serie A match against Udinese. Allegri rested Pulisic in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Bologna after the American player returned from international duty.

Pulisic came off the bench in the 65th minute of the Bologna match and made a significant impact, nearly providing two assists. Allegri indicated he has been cautious with Pulisic, who has dealt with an ankle injury at the start of the season.

“Pulisic is much better, he came on and did well against Bologna. He’s a truly good player,” Allegri said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “Tomorrow I’ll decide whether to start him. On Tuesday we have another important knockout game.”

After a disappointing loss to Cremonese at the season’s start, Milan has bounced back with two consecutive wins in Serie A. Pulisic has also had a strong individual start, scoring two goals in four appearances.

However, Allegri will be without goalkeeper Mike Maignan and winger Rafael Leão due to injuries. The coach expects both players to return soon. “Leão is progressing well; we hope to have him back next week for the game against Napoli,” Allegri added. “Maignan is fine; he’ll be in goal against Lecce on Tuesday.”

Milan faces a critical stretch of games, with matchups against Lecce in the Coppa Italia coming just four days after the Udinese match. Allegri’s decisions in the coming matches will be pivotal to Milan’s success this season.