Pulisic left out by USMNT but fires for Milan in win over Lecce
Quick summary
Christian Pulisic, omitted from the latest USMNT squad, responded with a goal in AC Milan's Serie A victory over Lecce, underlining his club form amid his national team absence.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceDays after Pulisic was left out by Pochettino for the international break, he scored a superb goal for Milan in his first start of 2026-27
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What happened
Christian Pulisic was not included in the latest United States men's national team squad, a notable omission for one of the U.S.'s most prominent attacking players. He answered by scoring for AC Milan in their Serie A win over Lecce, continuing a strong run of domestic form. The contrast highlights the ongoing tension between his club output and his standing with the USMNT setup, and frames the debate around his international future heading into the next international window.
Chance analysis
Pulisic's exclusion from the USMNT squad would have raised eyebrows given his pedigree, but a goal against Lecce is exactly the kind of response that reframes the conversation around selection rather than form. For Milan, his continued sharpness keeps him central to their attacking structure, while for the U.S. setup, the pressure builds on the coaching staff to explain how a player delivering at this level for a top Serie A side can be left out. The story sits at the intersection of club form and international politics, and Pulisic's response on the pitch ensures the debate won't quieten.
Pulisic's exclusion from the USMNT may dent his international prospects short-term, but his goal reinforces his importance to Milan's attack and strengthens the case for his recall.