Christian Pulisic delivered one of the most electrifying cameos of the Serie A season on Monday night, coming off the bench while ill and completely transforming AC Milan’s fortunes in a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
The 27-year-old American, battling flu symptoms throughout the day, was introduced in the 66th minute with Milan still searching for answers. What followed was a breathtaking burst of quality that turned a frustrating night into a statement victory and propelled the Rossoneri back to the summit of the league table.
Torino’s Fast Start Stuns Milan
Torino looked in complete control during the opening stages. Nikola Vlašić coolly converted a 10th-minute penalty after a defensive lapse, and Duván Zapata punished Milan again just seven minutes later with a powerful finish that left Mike Maignan helpless.
At 2–0 down inside 17 minutes, Milan were rattled and struggling for rhythm. The visitors only began to settle when Adrien Rabiot unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 24th minute, cutting the deficit to 2–1 and giving Stefano Pioli’s side a much-needed lifeline.
Still, the Rossoneri lacked spark in the final third — until Pulisic stepped onto the pitch.
Pulisic Changes Everything
Milan’s shift in intensity was immediate. Barely a minute after coming on, Pulisic made his mark. Alexis Saelemaekers curled in an inviting ball from the left, and the American timed his run with perfection, arriving between defenders to fire home the equalizer with his first meaningful touch.
The goal injected fresh life into Milan, but Pulisic wasn’t finished.
Ten minutes later, he struck again. Samuele Ricci threaded a clever pass into the box, and Pulisic — showing the composure of a seasoned finisher — opened up his body and guided a left-footed effort past Franco Israel to complete the comeback in the 77th minute.
The away end exploded in celebration as Torino’s early confidence evaporated.
A Night That Defines Milan’s Title Ambition
What looked like a routine win for Torino became a defining moment in Milan’s season. Pulisic’s double not only rescued the Rossoneri but also underlined his growing reputation as one of Milan’s most decisive players.
Battling illness, stepping into a chaotic match, and still producing two lethal finishes in ten minutes — it was the sort of performance that championship-winning teams rely on.
And for Milan, it sent a loud message to the rest of Serie A: this team is built to fight until the final whistle.
