‘It’s tough in Italy’ – Yunus Musah admission after €20m transfer to AC Milan for USMNT

The United States international was among those on the move during the summer window, as he followed USMNT colleague Christian Pulisic to San Siro. At 20 years of age, Musah still has plenty to learn and a lot of potential to unlock.

Milan are not looking to rush that process, with Musah handed his first start – in an unfamiliar wing-back role – during a 1-0 win over Verona. Fellow new recruit Tijjani Reijnders also figured in that contest, with Stefano Pioli revealing that fresh faces in his squad are still coming to terms with the demands of life in Italian football.

Pioli has told Milan TV: “The lads are settling in well but the process isn’t done yet. At the end of the game, Tijjani and Yunus told me ‘Gaffer, it’s tough in Italy, it’s so hard to beat your man because they are so aggressive and physical’. These difficulties can be overcome, they will grow with every game. They need more time to understand the system.”

Musah can expect to see plenty of game time this season, with Pioli able to rest and rotate as Milan endeavour to challenge for major honours on Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League fronts.