Christian Pulisic is cooking! USMNT star makes big pre-Champions League statement with crucial goal in AC Milan victory over Lazio

It was a highly physical match between the two Serie A sides, and one that was extremely tight until Pulisic's breakthrough goal.

The American's strike came in the 60th minute, with Pulisic finally breaking the deadlock with a fantastic half-volley. Rafael Leao will be credited with the assist, having raced through on the left wing before playing a bouncing cross to the penalty spot. Pulisic was there to finish, striking the ball into the net to score a key early-season goal for Milan.

Pulisic was joined on the scoresheet by Noah Okafor, who came off the bench to score Milan's second goal from another Leao assist. It was the striker's second in as many games as he begins to get going for Milan.

Musah, meanwhile, had some decent game time as he came on in the 29th minute. The American midfielder's fantastic cross to Giroud nearly resulted in a goal just before halftime, but, after an initial save on the Frenchman's first shot, Tijjani Reijnders couldn't quite turn the ball into the back of the net.

The focus will be on Pulisic, who is continuing to shine after arriving in Italy. Milan's attack is crowded, albeit not as crowded as Chelsea's and, with a crucial Champions League game looming, Pulisic made the perfect statement to Stefano Pioli.

To be fair, Pioli already seems to be a believer, with the trio of Pulisic, Leao and Giroud seemingly his preferred attack. That trio currently has Milan atop Serie A with that group combining for 10 of Milan's 14 goals in these first seven games.

Pulisic, though, was not named to Milan's starting XI against Newcastle in Europe, with Pioli instead turning to Samuel Chukwueze. Can Pioli leave Pulisic on the bench next week against Dortmund? It'll be tough after this performance.

Musah, meanwhile, also put in a positive performance as he continues to try and play his way into Pioli's starting XI. In addition to his near assist, he had a solid shot on goal in the second half as the ex-Valencia man was highly involved throughout for Milan.

Pulisic's role with the USMNT is unquestioned, so, from that perspective, the U.S. are simply glad to see the winger fit, confident and scoring ahead of October's friendlies.

Musah, meanwhile, is a player that could be battling for a starting midfield spot if the U.S. does, in fact, move Gio Reyna into a No.10 role.

The bad news for the USMNT is that Tyler Adams is out injured again, robbing the team of their top No.6 heading towards those games against Germany and Ghana. With Musah continuing to take steps forward at Milan, though, he should be ready to step in.

The fact that Pioli turned to Musah instead of ahead of Tommaso Pobega shows that the American midfielder is doing something right. He hasn't yet earned a starting XI spot, but, after his manager hailed him as a "complete player" ahead of this match, he did plenty to prove him right in this one.

Christian Pulisic (8/10):

Got the crucial goal and was dangerous throughout. Routinely targeted by physical play with few calls from the referee, Pulisic never drifted out of the game and, ultimately, helped decide it with his goal.

Yunus Musah (7/10):

Thrown into a tough situation as an early sub, but he responded well. Passed the ball well, created a few chances and looked comfortable throughout. A positive step.

Milan face a massive match on Wednesday as they take on Pulisic and Musah's USMNT teammate, Gio Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund.

The match comes after Milan split points with Newcastle in their Champions League opener, while Dortmund will be desperate for the win after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in their first match.

In terms of the league, Milan will next visit Genoa, who are midtable early on in this Serie A season.