Pulisic's Frustration and Cisse's Rise at AC Milan

Christian Pulisic is tired of watching. Ruben Amorim is delighted about it.

The AC Milan head coach has revealed that the American star is “upset” with his total lack of minutes so far this Serie A season – and, in Amorim’s world, that’s exactly the kind of problem he wants.

Pulisic has not played a single second in Milan’s opening three league fixtures of the 2026-27 campaign. He only returned to full training last month after a micro-fracture and bone bruise in his right leg, an injury suffered at the World Cup that stalled his summer and handed opportunity to others.

Now, as Milan prepare for a trip to Rome, the wait for “Captain America” is almost over.

“I think you guys are going to see Pulisic,” Amorim told reporters on Friday in his pre-match press conference. “I don’t know if he is going to start or he’s going to get on the pitch from the bench. I think he’s going to play at least a few minutes now and I like Pulisic. I really like him as a player. He’s upset because he’s had zero minutes so far, and I like that in my players.”

That frustration will have to coexist with a harsh reality: this is no longer his flank by default.

Cisse’s rise changes the equation

In Pulisic’s absence, 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse has kicked the door down on the left wing. The Italian youth international has turned a temporary opening into a full-blown selection headache for his coach.

Two goals already. Direct, fearless dribbling. A teenager running at defenders as if he hasn’t yet learned to be cautious. The San Siro has a new favourite, and he wears Cisse on the back of his shirt.

Amorim didn’t hide behind reputations when asked how he will juggle the in-form youngster and a fully fit Pulisic in the same position.

“I won’t remove anyone who’s doing well just to name a player,” he said, the message as sharp as his tone. “This is my way of managing the group, and I’ll die with these principles.”

No guarantees. No sentimental recalls. If Pulisic wants his place back, he will have to rip it away from a teenager who has already shown he belongs.

A proven star facing a new kind of fight

Pulisic did not come to Milan as a prospect. He arrived in the summer of 2023 on a four-year deal, already a central figure for the USMNT and a marquee signing for the Rossoneri.

Since then, he has put together a substantial body of work: 134 appearances in all competitions, 42 goals, 27 assists, and a Supercoppa Italiana title in the 2024-25 season. Those numbers carry weight in any dressing room, especially one that has leaned on his creativity and timing in big moments.

He also went deep into the summer with the national team. At the World Cup, Pulisic featured in four matches for the United States, missing only the group-stage clash with Australia through injury. He finished the tournament with one assist before the USMNT fell to Belgium in the round of 16.

The price of that workload was his leg injury. The cost now could be his starting spot.

Hunger meets principle

Amorim, though, sees an edge he can work with. An established international, angry at being left out. A teenager, flying on confidence and form. A coach, adamant that status means nothing if performance dips.

For Milan, that tension can be fuel.

Pulisic is on the verge of his first minutes of the season. Cisse has no intention of stepping aside. Amorim has drawn his line in the sand.

The left wing at San Siro is about to become one of the most ruthless auditions in Serie A.