AA Preview Oct. 3GOAL
Alex Labidou

Americans Abroad: Christian Pulisic and AC Milan face Weston McKennie and Juventus while Folarin Balogun looks to end drought

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic taking on USMNT teammate McKennie in Serie A rivalry

While there is plenty of focus on the U.S. men's national team following Thursday's announcement of Mauricio Pochettino's squad, there are still club games to be played this weekend. And there are some big matches ahead. 

The 309th edition of the AC Milan and Juventus rivalry awaits, and two American soccer stars are at the core of it all. Christian Pulisic has been Serie A's best player through five games, while Weston McKennie - having shown some glimpses this season - remains one of the league's top midfielders. There is plenty at stake for both clubs, outside of regional pride.

Milan sit top of the table with 12 points, while Juventus are fourth but just one point back. A win for either side could ignite a title run.

Outside of Italy, there's plenty of drama too. Folarin Balogun will look to end a difficult patch of the season when fourth-place Monaco take on struggling Nice. As for Chris Richards and Crystal Palace, are they for real? The fourth-place Eagles look to continue their impressive start to the season when they face Everton. 

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.

  • AC Milan v US Lecce - Coppa ItaliaGetty Images Sport

    Serie A on the line?

    While the AC Milan and Juventus rivalry doesn't have a cool name such as the Derby d'Italia, Derby della Lanterna or Derby del Sole, it's not any less significant.

    These are arguably Italy's two biggest clubs, with 55 Serie A trophies between them. It is also one of the country's oldest rivalries, dating back to 1901. And there is plenty of regional friction between the cities of Turin and Milan, which are just 88 miles apart. This match is of the utmost importance to fans of the Rossoneri and the Old Lady. 

    This fixture, in particular, is crucial for both sides. Milan appear to have their best team since a shock Serie A win in 2022. Juventus aren't far behind and have been Italy's powerhouse over the past two decades, winning nine titles in that span. 

    Despite all of the recent success, neither Pulisic nor McKennie have won the league title. That could change this season - and Sunday could go a long way towards determining the success of either side. 

    Pulisic is off to an incredible start, scoring four goals and adding two assists in five matches. McKennie, on the other hand, has had the same inconsistent playing time issues that have plagued him over the past two campaigns. He sent a message midweek in a rare start against Villarreal in the Champions League, a strong 90-minute outing with three tackles, two clearances, two interceptions and a connected killer pass in Juventus' 2-2 draw. 

    Traditionally, Juventus has owned this matchup, with 94 wins to Milan's 74. While Milan have drawn against Juventus a few times over the past two seasons, they haven't beaten their Turin neighbors since prior to Pulisic's arrival.

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    Richards and Palace on the rise

    It isn't an overstatement to say Palace sent shockwaves through Europe last weekend with their win over Liverpool at Selhurst Park. The statement result put them in fourth place and in contention for a Champions League place. They're also four points back from the Reds at the summit of England's top flight.

    Now, it's all about ensuring there isn't a setback against Liverpool's heated rival, Everton. 

    After years of being in a relegation scrap, the Toffees appear to be emboldened by their new, immaculate home ground, Hill Dickinson Stadium, and sit ninth. While the Eagles are one of England's top sides away, winning two of their three matches and drawing the other, playing at Everton's deafening home might present a challenge.

    The HD stadium has already reached the fifth-highest decibel level of all European football venues at 126 DB, which is 10 off of Seattle's Lumen Field - the Guinness World Record holder at 136.6DB. That's after just four matches at the park. 

    For a defender such as Chris Richards, being able to communicate with the backline and goalkeeper is essential for success. If Palace are able to succeed in Liverpool, they could be mounting a Leicester-esque challenge for the league this season.

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    Balogun needs goals

    Unlike any other position in soccer, strikers are judged primarily by stats - and the key one is goals. It is the reason why Norwich's Josh Sargent, for example, hasn't been able to gain traction for the USMNT as he's mired in a six-year goalless run for the national team. 

    Folarin Balogun was clinical in his last outing for the Americans, but that hasn't translated into his club form for Monaco. He's scoreless in the club's two Champions League matches and hasn't been much better in Ligue 1, with just one goal in four games. Much was expected from the 24-year-old when he first joined the club from Arsenal after a successful loan at Reims. He hasn't matched the 21-goal season he had in the 2022-23 season for the Les rouges et blancs. 

    Balogun has an opportunity to turn his season around when Monaco host Nice on Sunday. Nice have traditionally been one of France's most ambitious sides, but they've gotten off to a slow start and their defensive issues are a big reason. They've allowed 10 goals in just six matches and their attack is sputtering with just seven scored in the same stretch.

    This seems a get-right game for Balogun, especially with Monaco also emerging as a dark horse contender for Ligue 1. They sit just three points back from PSG and Lyon at the top of the league.