'Christian Pulisic doesn't need defending' - Stefano Pioli speaks out after AC Milan and USMNT star receives vile death threats

Lazio supporters sent the American a slew of abuse and threats after his role in two of the three red cards their team were shown during the Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday, which Milan won 1-0. Pioli was asked about the abuse on Wednesday and made a brief comment on the situation.

"Pulisic does not need to be defended. His story speaks for itself. Social media has become a place for insults and rudeness and Pulisic has all our support," Pioli told reporters ahead of his team's Europa League clash against Slavia Prague.

The Rossoneri hope to make it past the Czech club and into the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the first time. The last time they progressed beyond the last 16 of Europe's second-tier competition was in 2001-02, when they reached the final four of the UEFA Cup.

Still, Pioli believes his team can go on to claim the title, saying: "You have to think you can win this cup, then it's clear that in addition to thinking that, you need to demonstrate skills. The team is doing well but now there's a complex obstacle to face. We certainly all have a chance of doing well."

Pulisic, 25, has scored eight goals and has seven assists in all competitions for the San Siro team since joining from Chelsea last summer. He will hope to shake off the weekend's abuse by helping his side to a first-leg victory against Slavia.