A remarkable comeback spearheaded by Christian Pulisic saw AC Milan defeat Torino 3-2 after initially trailing by two goals, reclaiming the top spot in Serie A. The American international, despite battling flu symptoms, came off the bench to score twice in a span of ten minutes, turning the game on its head.
The match began poorly for Milan, with Nikola Vlašić converting a penalty in the 10th minute after a handball by Fikayo Tomori. Torino quickly capitalized on Milan's shaken defense, as Duván Zapata extended their lead just seven minutes later with a powerful shot past Mike Maignan. It was Zapata's eighth goal against Milan and his third in three starts against them while wearing Torino colors.
Milan needed a spark, and it came in the 24th minute from Adrien Rabiot. The French midfielder unleashed a stunning, swerving strike from distance that left Torino's goalkeeper Franco Israel with no chance, reducing the deficit. Despite the boost from Rabiot's goal, Milan still went into halftime trailing 2-1.
The second half saw a revitalized Milan emerge with greater purpose. Torino's goalkeeper, Israel, was called into action early, making a double save to deny Davide Bartesaghi's header and Samuele Ricci's follow-up attempt. However, Milan's persistence paid off when Pulisic was introduced into the match.
Pulisic entered the game in the 66th minute and made an immediate impact. Just seconds after coming on, a cross found its way to him, and he calmly finished from close range to equalize. Pulisic wasn't done there; ten minutes later, he completed the comeback. A perfect cross from Ricci on the right side found Pulisic, who fired home, securing the lead for Milan and ultimately the victory. The goal was Pulisic's seventh Serie A goal of the season.
The win pushed Milan back to the top of the Serie A table, tied on points with Napoli but ahead on goal difference. Milan's unbeaten league run now stretches to 13 matches. For Torino, the loss leaves them in 16th place, still searching for their first win since October 26.
Pulisic's performance was particularly impressive considering he had been battling flu symptoms in the days leading up to the game. His two goals demonstrated his clinical finishing and importance to the Milan squad.
The match also saw Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri serving a touchline ban after receiving a red card in the previous match.
