Pulisic ends 2025 with a goal for AC Milan. He's hoping for more with US at home World Cup in 2026

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AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

AC Milan's Christopher Nkunku scores his side's second goal from a penalty kick during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) — AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Audio By Carbonatix

9:06 AM on Sunday, December 28

By ANDREW DAMPF

Christian Pulisic is on pace for the best season of his career — in a season that will conclude with a home World Cup for the United States.

The American standout scored the opening goal for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday to raise his total to 10 goals and two assists in 15 matches across all competitions with the Rossoneri.

The victory moved Milan atop the Italian league table, one point ahead of defending champion Napoli, which won 2-0 at Cremonese; and two points ahead of Inter Milan, which was visiting Atalanta later.

Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan hasn’t lost in Serie A since getting beat by Cremonese in the season opener in August. This was the Rossoneri's final game of 2025.

Pulisic was in the right place at the right time to volley in from close range in first-half added time following a corner from Luka Modric that was headed on by Adrien Rabiot.

After the break, Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty for his first Serie A goal and then added another four minutes later by knocking in the rebound of a shot from Modric that was turned onto the post by the goalkeeper.

Last season — his best so far — Pulisic produced 17 goals and 12 assists in 50 matches.

In all, Pulisic has been involved in 50 scores (31 goals and 19 assists) since joining Milan for the 2023-24 season. Over the same span, only Lautaro Martinez of rival Inter has been involved in more at 53.

The U.S. team will be counting on that type of production from Pulisic before its home fans for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, which will also be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico.

Hojlund brace

Rasmus Hojlund scored a brace in Napoli’s victory — already boosting his output beyond what he produced at Manchester United last season.

Hojlund now has six goals in 12 Serie A appearances for Napoli – compared to four in 32 Premier League matches last season.

Both of Hojlund’s goals came from the middle of the area.

Napoli beat Bologna for the Italian Super Cup title on Monday in Saudi Arabia.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer