Christian Pulisic returns from injury and scores the winner in the Milan Derby

Christian Pulisic couldn't have scripted a better comeback. After missing time with a hamstring injury, the American star returned to AC Milan's starting lineup on Sunday and immediately made his mark, scoring the only goal in a heated 1-0 Derby della Madonnina victory over Inter Milan.

The performance wasn't just a statement for Milan's Serie A title ambitions - it was a sigh of relief for the United States Men's National Team, who expect Pulisic to be a centerpiece next summer when the U.S. hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For a player who's been in sensational form all season - six goals in eight appearances across competitions before the injury - this was confirmation that the momentum hasn't gone anywhere. And it came on the biggest domestic stage Italy has to offer.

A Derby decided by "Captain America"

The matchup wasn't a classic shootout, but it was the kind of gritty, emotional, razor-thin affair that defines the Milan Derby.Inter controlled early stretches, forcing Mike Maignan into several big saves and rattling the post twice in the first half.

Pulisic had a near miss of his own in the 44th minute, curling a shot just wide as Milan found its footing. But after halftime, he delivered the moment that changed everything.

In the 54th minute, after a lightning-quick Rossoneri counterattack, Alexis Saelemaekers' shot forced a rebound from Yann Sommer - and Pulisic pounced, coolly slotting the ball into the net for the 1-0 lead. It was the American's third goal in his last six matches against Inter. Big stage, big opponent, big goal - trademark Pulisic.

Maignan's magic preserves the win

AC Milan didn't just need a hero in attack; they needed one in goal. That arrived in the 74th minute, when VAR awarded Inter a penalty after Pavlovi was judged to have fouled Marcus Thuram. Former Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanolu stepped up - and Maignan denied him brilliantly, diving full-stretch to preserve the lead. From there, Milan held on with grit and composure. Inter pushed forward relentlessly, but the Rossoneri's defensive wall held firm until the final whistle. The Derby was theirs. Milano, at least for the night, was Rossonera.

A win with big implications - for Milan and for the U.S. For AC Milan, the victory is a massive boost in the Serie A title race. The Rossoneri climb to second place, level with Napoli and just two points behind leaders Roma. Their unbeaten Derby run since last season remains intact, and their record against top sides this year - Roma, Napoli, Bologna, and now Inter - sends a message to the rest of Italy.

For the USMNT, the implications are just as important. The United States needs Christian Pulisic healthy, confident, and in form heading into a home World Cup next summer. After a frustrating injury setback, his instant impact upon return is exactly what the national team hoped to see. A sharp, decisive, goal-scoring Pulisic is the best version of Pulisic - and the one that gives the U.S. a real chance to make a deep World Cup run.