Christian Pulisic to Start on Bench Against Lazio in Serie A

Christian Pulisic will not start in AC Milan's match against Lazio, continuing his frustrating start to the 2026-27 Serie A season from the bench. The USMNT winger has yet to see competitive action under coach Ruben Amorim, despite being included in the squad for all three league matches so far.

Pulisic's absence from the starting lineup is attributed to careful management of his recovery from injuries sustained during the 2026 World Cup. He has faced multiple physical issues, including a bone bruise and microfracture, which limited his playtime for the national team. Although he returned to group training, interruptions have hindered his preparation for the season.

Amorim has emphasized that Pulisic's situation is not due to a lack of confidence in his abilities but rather a strategic decision to manage his recovery. The coach has opted to keep 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse in the starting role, who has performed well, scoring twice in the opening matches. Pulisic is expected to see some action against Lazio, with Amorim indicating that he is ready to play, despite his current frustration over limited minutes.