Injury-Hit Milan claim narrow win against Sassuolo through Pulisic

A Christian Pulisic goal was enough to give injury-ravaged AC Milan a vital 1-0 victory over Sassuolo.

The Rossoneri went into the match missing numerous key players, with only Simon Kjaer fit among their senior centre-backs. Sassuolo were also without several important names like Gregoire Defrel and Matias Vina.

There was early Milan pressure as Ismael Bennacer had a goal disallowed for offside before going close himself along with Tijjani Reijnders. Rafael Leao and Alessandro Florenzi failed to convert good chances, while at the other end, Mike Maignan superbly tipped over a trademark Domenico Berardi curler.

The deadlock was finally broken just before the hour mark courtesy of intelligent movement from Pulisic. He latched onto a perfectly weighted Bennacer through the ball before calmly beating Andrea Consigli.

As Berardi went off injured, his replacement, Samu Castillejo, received a warm reception on his San Siro return. Armand Laurienté forced a save from Maignan late on but Milan held firm to claim three vital points despite their lack of options.