AC Milan 1-0 Sassuolo (30 Dec, 2023) Game Analysis،
Christian Pulisic helped AC Milan end the year on a high note by scoring a second-half goal that secured a 1-0 home win over Sassuolo in Serie A on Saturday.
In the 59th minute, the American broke the deadlock by skilfully deflecting the ball past Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli after receiving a defensive pass from Ismaël Bennacer.
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With six goals this season, Pulisic broke Weston McKennie's record – set for Juventus in 2022-21 – for the most Serie A goals in a single campaign by an American player.
Milan sit third with 36 points, narrowing the gap with leaders Inter Milan to nine after playing out a 1-1 draw at Genoa on Friday. Sassuolo is 16th with 16.
Milan coach Stefano Pioli fielded a depleted backline, with Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu all sidelined with injuries.
“We can play and create even more, but I think we had the right approach today. I'm happy with the way we played and suffered together and the way we won this match,” said Pioli at DAZN.
“This is a team victory. This is a group that, during my time here, has never given up in tough times.”
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images
The hosts saw an early effort disallowed when Olivier Giroud was offside as he delivered a cross to Bennacer to head home.
Another Milan goal attempt was disallowed as Rafael Leão's goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Sassuolo had their best chance moments later when Domenico Berardi's curling shot required a diving save from goalkeeper Mike Maignan who tipped it over the bar.
The hosts rested after Pulisic's goal, limiting Sassuolo to long-range attempts, and they held on comfortably for the win.
Earlier on Saturday, Bologna's recent momentum ended with a 3-0 defeat at Udinese.
Thiago Motta's side, vying for a top-four finish, found themselves in fifth place, behind fourth-placed Fiorentina by two points.
Milan will start the new year by hosting Cagliari in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on January 2. Bologna will entertain Genoa in Serie A three days later.
