Pulisic Aims for Milestone as Milan Faces Fiorentina

MILAN, Italy — When players take the field at San Siro on Saturday to face Fiorentina, the stakes extend beyond just three points for AC Milan. As the Rossoneri strive for a strong finish in a challenging season, American winger Christian Pulisic is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in his career.

Pulisic, who joined Milan in the summer of 2023 after stints with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, has quickly emerged as a key player in the club’s current project. With the potential to surpass a record held by former USMNT star Clint Dempsey, Pulisic’s performance could solidify his place among the elite American soccer players in history.

Since his arrival at San Siro, Pulisic has adapted remarkably well to the rigors of Serie A, accumulating 15 goals and nine assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His outstanding versatility allows him to operate effectively both on the wing and in more central positions. As Milan prepares for the match against Fiorentina, Pulisic is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.

Furthermore, Pulisic’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Reports indicate that the club is set to negotiate a new contract for the American forward, with a proposed salary increase from $4.4 million to $5.5 million per year already agreed in principle.

Reaching double figures in Serie A would further enhance the significance of his current season. If he scores against Fiorentina or in one of the upcoming league matches, Pulisic will achieve the milestone of 10 or more goals in consecutive seasons across Europe’s top five leagues. He would join Dempsey as the only American player to accomplish this feat in the 2000s.

“This isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the legacy,” Pulisic stated. “Carrying on the tradition of American soccer players abroad is important to me. I feel a responsibility to lead this new generation.”

The importance of Pulisic’s potential milestone extends beyond his individual performance. It serves as a symbolic passing of the torch from established American soccer icons like Dempsey to a younger generation. As Pulisic continues to make his mark in Europe, he represents a shift in the prominence of American players on the global stage.

As the race for the 2024-25 Capocannoniere heats up, Pulisic is not alone in the pursuit of goals. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez leads the pack with 24 goals, while other notable challengers include Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Napoli‘s Romelu Lukaku. The competition is fierce, but Pulisic’s remarkable season places him in contention for the title of top scorer. The match against Fiorentina may not just be a milestone for Pulisic, but a crucial turning point in Milan’s campaign as they look to reclaim their standing in Serie A.