da pixbet： Yunus Musah earned his first start for Milan while Christian Pulisic returned to the starting XI after being dropped midweek.

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Match delayed due to weatherPulisic involved in Leao's winnerMusah earns first start

As Milan went in search of a response from their disappointing draw at home to Newcastle on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah were tasked with providing both attacking force and defensive solidarity as they both started down the right-hand side in AC Milan's 1-0 win over Verona.

The game was delayed by 25 minutes thanks to a downpour of rain prior to kick-off but that didn't stop the hosts from getting themselves back on track after a couple of poor results as of late.

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The pair struggled to get involved from the off but AC Milan's captain-for-the-day, Rafael Leao, took the pressure off them as he slotted Milan in front inside eight minutes for his third goal in as many matches.

Pulisic had his first little foray into the Verona box in the 16th-minute after combining with Musah, but was penalized for a foul on Davide Faraoni. He and Musah went around their business nicely, with the latter putting in good few challenges in the middle of the park to help quash any Verona momentum.

Pulisic very nearly turned provider, laying one on a plate for Giroud five minutes before the interval but the Frenchman was far too ponderous in his efforts to get a shot off and the attack went begging.

Musah picked up a yellow card on 58 minutes, his first of the Serie A campaign, as the referee totted up a number of fouls he'd committed throughout.

As the game ticked over the 70-minute mark, Pulisic had half a chance to double Milan's lead but Lorenzo Montipo produced a good save to prevent him grabbing his third Serie A goal of the campaign. He was booked four minutes later.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

What was interesting, particularly during the first-half, was how wide Musah was playing, regularly getting in and around Pulisic who started ahead of him at right-wing. The 20-year-old midfielder often found himself level with, if not beyond, the winger as the pair looked to combine down the flanks. Pulisic, from time to time, swapped wings with Leao who took up more central positions to allow the former Chelsea man to roam across the frontline.

This continued into the second-half although the pair's influence, both down that right-hand side and the game as a whole, dwindled as the afternoon went on. The game became a more agricultural affair in the second 45 with both players seeing yellow.

The positive, however, is that following two disappointing performances from the Rossoneri, they got back on track today and both played pivotal roles in doing so.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

Pulisic's space in the USMNT won't be under serious threat because of his performance this afternoon. After all, he did play a role in setting up what would be the eventual winner. There'll be a little bit of concern from Gregg Berhalter and staff as to how Pulisic essentially disappeared in the second-half but it would be unfair to judge based off one half of football. He's a had good start to the Serie A campaign otherwise.

Musah, evidenced by the fact he finished the game, is starting to really gain the trust of his club manager Stefano Pioli. Should he be able to really nail down a starting berth at Milan then his place in the USMNT shouldn't be questioned either. While he didn't overly impress this afternoon, there were certainly positives to his game.

GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Christian Pulisic (6/10):

Played a pivotal role in Leao's opening goal but his influence on things almost disappeared as the game went on. He was booked deep into the second-half before being subbed for Tommaso Pobega on 80'.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Didn't do a lot without doing much wrong. Helped to nullify Verona in the middle of the park albeit he was cautioned 13 minutes into the second-half. Could've netted a Milan second late in the day but was denied by Montipo.