Pulisic strikes for AC Milan in derby triumph while Roma claim Serie A summit
Christian Pulisic secured a derby win for AC Milan with the sole goal in their 1-0 victory against Inter Milan on Sunday, propelling the team to second place in Serie A, just two points adrift of the new frontrunners Roma.
The United States attacker Pulisic netted his fifth goal of the campaign in the 54th minute, capitalising on Inter keeper Yann Sommer's feeble clearance of Alexis Saelemaekers' low effort, which stood as Milan's sole clear chance in a tightly contested match at the vibrant San Siro.
Pulisic has shone brightly for Milan throughout the season, adding two assists alongside his leading goal count in the league.
However, Milan owed much to Mike Maignan for the victory, with the French shot-stopper denying Hakan Calhanoglu's spot-kick in the 74th minute and diverting Lautaro Martinez's volley onto the upright eight minutes prior to the interval.
Francesco Acerbi crashed a header against the frame of the goal ten minutes earlier, as Inter controlled possession yet failed to breach Maignan's defence.
Inter now occupy fourth position, one point behind both Milan and title holders Napoli, and just ahead of in-form Bologna.
Cristian Chivu's squad shifts focus to Wednesdays Champions League encounter away at Atletico Madrid, where a win could advance them closer to securing a direct spot in the knockout stages following victories in their initial four group games.
Milan, on the other hand, enjoy a full week to savour their consecutive derby success, with the citys red and black supporters unbeaten against local foes since Inter clinched their 20th Scudetto versus them in April 2024.
Earlier on, goals from Matias Soule, Evan Ferguson, and Wesley handed Roma a 3-1 triumph over Cremonese, sustaining their impressive form under boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma lead the way
Roma had managed just 12 goals across their prior 11 league outings, yet they proved ruthless in attack at Stadio Giovanni Zini, positioning themselves as contenders for their first Scudetto since 2001.
"I mentioned yesterday that its fitting to harbour dreams from our current standing, though such aspirations seldom materialise in the end," Gasperini remarked.
"We aim to prolong this dream a bit further."
Soule delivered Romas first goal with a fierce strike in the 17th minute, shortly after Cremonese striker Federico Bonazzoli prompted an excellent stop from Mile Svilar.
A previously even contest was then sealed by rapid successive efforts from on-loan Brighton player Ferguson, marking his first goal for the club in more than a year, and Wesley.
Ferguson slotted in coolly in the 64th minute following a scramble in the Cremonese box, and soon after, Brazilian defender Wesley capped a swift break by chipping an exquisite finish over Emil Audero.
Before Roma ensured the result, defender Gianluca Mancini avoided a penalty concession around half-time when a VAR review overturned the handball call against him.
Gasperini, incensed by the original penalty decision on Mancini, received a red card for continued protesting just before Ferguson extended Romas advantage.
As a result, Gasperini will sit out Romas pivotal home fixture against defending champions Napoli the following weekend.
Gasperini displayed wild celebrations from the sidelines after Ferguson ended a personal scoring drought lasting back to October of the previous year.
The 21 year old began on the substitutes bench, and with Paulo Dybala and Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk out injured, the Irishmans contribution proves a major boost for Roma.
"Im delighted for Ferguson after his lengthy wait for that strike, but it held huge significance for the team as it made our lead secure. Once he netted, victory felt assured," Gasperini added.
Francesco Folino grabbed a late consolation for newly promoted Cremonese, who languish in 12th after suffering their fourth loss of the term.