AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli defends decision to persist with Christian Pulisic despite USMNT star enduring rare off night in Europa League defeat to Roma

The United States international has been in fine form this season, posting a personal best return of 13 goals across all competitions. Pulisic was included from the start once again when the Rossoneri lined up against domestic rivals in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Pulisic found the going tough against Roma, as Milan drew a blank in a 1-0 defeat at San Siro, but was not replaced until the 78th minute. At that point, Pioli took the decision to mix things up and throw on Samuel Chukwueze in pursuit of an equaliser.

Quizzed afterwards on why he took so long to make changes in the final third, with Rafael Leao hauled off at the same time as Pulisic, Pioli told reporters: “Pulisic and Leao have confidence. Players like them, even on a difficult evening, can make an important play. I made the changes when I thought it was right.”

Milan now have it all to do in order to keep themselves in contention for major silverware this season. Pulisic will be eager to end his debut campaign in Italy with a gold medal, but Pioli’s men will need to produce a much-improved performance when heading to Stadio Olimpico on April 18.