Serie A Roundup: Pulisic Returns In Style As Milan Beat Inter And Roma Goes Top

‎In a thrilling Serie A weekend, Christian Pulisic made an emphatic return for AC Milan, scoring in his first start in over a month, while Mike Maignan produced a crucial penalty save to secure a 1-0 victory over city rivals Inter Milan.

‎Pulisic’s Impactful Comeback

‎After recovering from injury, Pulisic had featured briefly in Milan’s last outing, coming off the bench in the 70th minute during the 2-2 draw at Parma, where he nearly scored a late winner.

‎On Sunday, the U.S. international was back in the starting lineup and wasted no time making an impact.

‎The decisive moment came in the 54th minute. Youssouf Fofana intercepted the ball from Hakan Çalhanoğlu in midfield and quickly launched a counterattack with Alexis Saelemaekers.

‎Saelemaekers’ shot was initially denied by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but Pulisic was in the right place at the right time to tap in the rebound, marking his return with a goal that lit up San Siro.

‎Inter had their opportunities, hitting the woodwork twice and being awarded a penalty when Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic appeared to foul Marcus Thuram.

‎However, Maignan kept his composure to save Çalhanoğlu’s penalty, cementing Milan’s narrow victory and delivering a significant blow to their city rivals.

‎Roma Back on Top

‎While Milan celebrated in Milan, Serie A saw drama unfold elsewhere as Roma reclaimed the top spot. Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini experienced an emotional rollercoaster during his team’s 3-1 victory at Cremonese.

‎Roma took the lead with their first meaningful attack. Manu Koné combined with Lorenzo Pellegrini to set up Matías Soulé, who curled a sublime strike into the bottom left corner. Cremonese responded with several threats, including a shot that was pushed onto the post by Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.

‎They also had a penalty reversed by VAR as Gianluca Mancini’s handball was deemed “not punishable.”

‎The drama escalated in the 62nd minute when Gasperini, furious at a booking for dissent, received a second yellow card and was sent off.

‎Despite this, Roma doubled their lead just two minutes later through substitute Evan Ferguson, who scored his first goal for the club. By the 69th minute, Roma had sealed the win with a third goal from Stephan El Shaarawy, assisted by Wesley, putting Gasperini’s sideline tantrum firmly in the rearview mirror as he was shown smiling from the stands.

‎ Francesco Folino added a late consolation for Cremonese, but it was too little, too late.

‎With the win, Roma moved to 27 points, two ahead of Milan and Napoli, and three clear of Inter and Bologna, reclaiming sole leadership in Serie A.

‎Crucial Relegation Battles

‎The weekend also saw intense action at the bottom of the table. Parma recorded a vital 2-1 win at Hellas Verona, thanks to a brace from Mateo Pellegrino.

‎The victory lifted Parma three points above the relegation zone, while Verona slipped to last place, three points from safety. Meanwhile, Lecce remains only two points above the drop after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Lazio.

‎Serie A Standings:

‎1st: Roma – 27 points

‎2nd: Milan – 25 points

‎3rd: Napoli – 25 points

‎4th: Inter – 24 pointsw