Christian Pulisic stole the spotlight in one of Serie A’s biggest fixtures this season, as he was crowned Man of the Match in AC Milan’s 2-1 victory over defending champions Napoli at the iconic San Siro. The American winger once again proved his value to the Rossoneri, delivering a performance that combined creativity, pace, and clinical finishing.
A High-Stakes Showdown at San Siro
The match on Matchday 5 of the Serie A 2025/2026 campaign carried significant weight. Both Milan and Napoli came into the clash fighting for the top spot in the standings. The defending champions Napoli were eager to extend their dominance, while Stefano Pioli’s side aimed to showcase that they are serious title contenders.
With nearly 75,000 fans packing San Siro, the atmosphere was electric. From the first whistle, Napoli showed their attacking intent, dominating possession and registering more shots. Yet Milan’s resilience, combined with Pulisic’s brilliance, made the difference.
Pulisic’s Defining Contribution
Pulisic earned his Man of the Match honor thanks to two decisive moments that tilted the game in Milan’s favor.
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First Impact: In the opening half, the winger showcased his vision and quick decision-making, providing a clever assist to Alexis Saelemaekers, who coolly slotted home Milan’s opener.
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Sealing the Win: Pulisic later doubled Milan’s advantage by scoring the crucial second goal, capitalizing on a swift counterattack that left Napoli’s backline scrambling. His composure in front of goal reflected both confidence and experience at the highest level.
Even though Pulisic’s night ended earlier than expected due to tactical adjustments following Estupiñán’s red card, his influence was undeniable. One goal and one assist in a high-pressure game made him the obvious choice for the match’s best player.
Post-Match Statistics Highlight Napoli’s Dominance
While Milan celebrated victory, the numbers painted a more balanced picture of the encounter:
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Final Score: AC Milan 2–1 Napoli
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Total Shots: Milan 6 – 19 Napoli
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Shots on Target: Milan 3 – 7 Napoli
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Possession: Milan 36% – 64% Napoli
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Fouls: 7 – 7
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Offsides: Milan 1 – 0 Napoli
Despite Napoli’s statistical superiority, Milan’s efficiency in front of goal, coupled with Pulisic’s brilliance, secured the Rossoneri three valuable points.
Pulisic’s Rising Influence at AC Milan
Since joining AC Milan, Christian Pulisic has consistently proven himself as a game-changer. His ability to adapt quickly to Italian football and perform in high-intensity matches has elevated his reputation not only in Serie A but across Europe.
For Milan supporters, Pulisic’s performance against Napoli will be remembered as a turning point early in the season—a statement victory that shows the Rossoneri can challenge for the Serie A title 2025/2026.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on the American star. If he continues to deliver decisive contributions in crucial matches, Milan’s dream of reclaiming the Scudetto could become a reality.
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