Pulisic Sparks AC Milan Comeback as Moreira Double Saves Lazio Draw
Christian Pulisic made an immediate impact from the bench as AC Milan recovered from a two-goal half-time deficit in Rome, with Diego Moreira scoring twice in quick succession to secure a point and protect the Rossoneri’s unbeaten Serie A start.
Milan manager Ruben Amorim made a triple change at the interval, sending on Pulisic, Yunus Musah and Moreira. The decision transformed a side that had struggled badly before the break.
Pulisic, appearing after lower-leg microfractures suffered at the World Cup had kept him out of Milan’s starting line-up for each of the first three league games, created the first goal in the 65th minute. His precise delivery was driven home by Moreira with a low volley.
Moreira struck again less than two minutes later, finishing from an Adrien Rabiot assist to bring Milan level. The substitute became the youngest Milan player to score a Serie A brace after coming off the bench.
Amorim demands a full performance
Despite the recovery, Amorim was clear that Milan’s opening-half display fell below the required level.
“In the first half, we were not there,” he said. “The energy was not there. We lost so many possessions without any pressure, simple passes. It was easy for them.”
The Portuguese coach credited the response after the interval but warned that Milan cannot rely on producing only one strong half.
“Then in the second half, it was the opposite,” Amorim added. “It was a completely different team, a completely different game. We managed to secure one point, but if you look at the game, we need to do better because you cannot play with just one half.”
Unbeaten league start intact
The draw leaves Milan fifth in Serie A on eight points from four matches, with their unbeaten record still intact.
Attention now turns to Europe. Milan host Benfica at San Siro on Wednesday in their opening Europa League fixture, and Amorim will be looking for the energy and control shown after half-time in Rome from the first whistle against the Portuguese visitors.
