There's a new Milan star in the making at San Siro, and his name is Chaka Traore!
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Milan's Chaka Traore shines on Coppa Italia debutPulisic subbed on in 70'Rossoneri thump Cagliari 4-1Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
A contentious start saw both teams go back-and-forth, but a switch flipped in the Rossoneri halfway through the first half. Luka Jovic opened the scoring in the 29th minute, tucking a left-footed strike under the goalkeeper. He then doubled the lead just before the break.
19-year-old debutant Chaka Traore then had an evening to celebrate, netting his first-ever senior goal five minutes into the second half. The youngster shrugged off pressure in the box, slinging a shot underneath the goalkeeper despite falling to the ground in the process. Cagliari, did, however, earn a consolation goal back just before full time.
USMNT star Pulisic entered the match off the bench in the 70th minute and helped close out the contest alongside Rafael Leao, with the American assisting the winger's late stoppage-time goal to make it 4-1. For Leao, it was a much-needed strike, as he ended his 100+ day goal drought for the Rossoneri.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
19-year-old Chaka Traore earned his first-ever start for the tie and used the moment to his advantage. He was electric across the first half and capped it off with his 50th-minute strike. The young Ivorian attacker celebrated his goal with every teammate on the pitch, being overwhelmed with emotion as hugs, high fives and smiles arrived. Upon being subbed out for Leao, the youngster was picked up and embraced by the Portuguese star; truly a night to remember. The Rossoneri now advance in the tournament and will play the winner of Atalanta vs Sassuolo in the next round.
Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT
Pulisic is arguably in the best form of his professional career, with six goals and four assists in 16 Serie A games this season. To add to it, he picked up another assist in the Coppa Italia Tuesday, bringing his total goal contributions across all competitions in 2023-24 to 12, putting him on track for a brilliant year. For Gregg Berhalter and Co it's brilliant to see, especially with the of Copa America and Nations League semifinals coming up.
GOAL'S RATINGS
Christian Pulisic (8/10): Arrived off the bench with 20 minutes to spare, completing 13/14 passes and assisting Rafael Leao's late goal. You cannot ask for much more!