Christian Pulisic returns to the Milan XI after missing USMNT duty as Rossoneri sneak by Fiorentina in Serie A clash

It was a tight affair at the San Siro, as a shorthanded Milan never really hit their top gear against Fiorentina. With both Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud out of action, Stefano Pioli turned to Luka Jovic and Samuel Chukwueze next to Pulisic in the Milan XI.

It was a defender, though, who provided the goal, with left-back Theo Hernandez netting just before halftime. The French fullback was played in by Pulisic before being dragged down by Fiorentina's Fabiano Parisi in the box. Hernandez stepped up and buried the ensuing penalty, earning all three points from a nervy match in the process.

The win was vital for Milan, who have struggled to keep pace with rivals Inter at the top of the Serie A table after failing to win their past four Serie A matches. As things stand, Inter hold a five-point lead over their city rivals and have a game in hand, as do Juventus, who sit second with a three-point advantage over the Rossoneri. Regardless of the table standings. It's relief for Stefano Pioli and his staff, who felt the hot seat growing on them due to their October form.

Pulisic's return to the XI was a good sight for the U.S. men's national team, who were without their star winger during the recent international break. A knock prevented Pulisic from joining the team, who went on to top Trinidad & Tobago on aggregate without him to lock up a place in next summer's Copa America.

The American winger had some good moments in his return on Saturday, including one shot that forced a good save. He played a role in Hernandez's opener, setting up the penalty sequence, as he created two total chances on the day.

As for Musah, the American remains a key figure in the heart of the Milan midfield. After being eased into the team, Musah has been a regular for several months and, in this one, he put in a solid 83-minute shift primarily headlined by his defensive work.

Christian Pulisic (7/10):

A good return for the American star. Perhaps most importantly, he was better than Samuel Chukwueze, his primary competitor when Leao and GIroud are healthy. Created danger and, on a different day, may have had a goal contribution or two.

Yunus Musah (7/10):

Nothing spectacular but, with Milan, he isn't asked to be. Musah is getting better at doing dirty work, which will do wonders for his game with the USMNT.

Milan will now turn their focus towards a massive Champions League match, as they'll host Pulisic's former team, Borussia Dortmund, midweek. All four teams in the group, which also includes Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle, are within three points, making the final two matches of group play massive for all involved.