Pulisics rapid brace lifts AC Milan to Serie A leadership

US midfielder Christian Pulisic netted a pair of goals within 10 minutes on Monday helping AC Milan overturn a deficit to defeat Torino 3-2 and claim the top spot in Serie A.

The American entered as a substitute in Turin and transformed the match shortly after the 67th minute mark.

Milan now surpass Napoli thanks to superior goal difference and will face eighth placed Sassuolo this coming Sunday.

Torino had taken an initial lead through Nikola Vlasic and Duvan Zapata leaving them in 16th position still seeking their first victory since 26 October.

At 27 years old Pulisic started on the bench due to flu like symptoms while Milan manager Max Allegri served a touchline suspension.

I have been unwell over the past few days but I feel somewhat improved today said Pulisic to DAZN.

The key aspect is not my personal goals but securing the victory for the team.

The home team quickly surged ahead with Vlasic scoring from the penalty and Zapata doubling the lead by the 17th minute.

Just seven minutes later Adrien Rabiot reduced the gap with a stunning strike from over 25 metres.

With 34 minutes remaining Ruben Loftus Cheek of Milan missed a golden opportunity to level when Torino keeper Franco Israel blocked his powerful header.

Pulisic came on and instantly influenced proceedings by scoring with his initial touch from close proximity.

The player with 82 caps for his nation sealed the turnaround 13 minutes from time via an excellent low half volley.

In added time Pulisic was prevented from a hat trick and his eighth strike this season as Christopher Nkunku was ruled offside.

This result propelled AC Milan to the league summit yet those initial defensive lapses remain worrying.

You cannot begin a game by allowing two such straightforward goals we must review the footage thoroughly and continue training said Rabiot.