Christian Pulisic revealed that he felt “dead in bed” just two days ago but made a remarkable recovery to score twice in AC Milan’s 3-2 victory against Torino. Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot reflected on his stunning goal during the match.
The USMNT star was initially unable to participate in the game due to a high fever he experienced the night before. He only joined his teammates shortly before kick-off after feeling better.
Despite his earlier condition, Pulisic became the match’s hero, coming off the bench to score two goals, helping Milan recover from a 2-0 deficit to clinch a 3-2 win, complemented by an incredible 29-meter strike from Rabiot.
Pulisic Battled a High Fever
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“Two days ago I was dead in bed, but I felt much better today,” Pulisic shared with Sky Sport Italia. “I wasn’t sure about playing yesterday, but this morning I felt much better. I’m honestly happier about the win than the goals.”
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Despite experiencing fewer appearances this season due to injuries, Pulisic has excelled with seven goals in just nine Serie A matches.
“It has been a rather strange season for me. I do want to gain more match fitness. We need to take it one game at a time and see where we end up at the conclusion of the season.”
The win allowed Milan to remain at the top of the table alongside Napoli, maintaining a one-point lead over rivals Inter, while also helping to erase the disappointment of their Coppa Italia exit against Lazio earlier in the week.
TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Matteo Gabbia during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“We started poorly, but midway through the first half, we improved and promised ourselves to be more determined in the second half. There was an immediate change in tempo, and Christian’s introduction helped us greatly,” Rabiot explained to Sky Sport Italia.
“These are the types of matches that can turn a season around, showing our determination and focus. However, we must improve our attitude from the start, as we shouldn’t have to come back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.”
Rabiot’s goal was a remarkable strike, possibly the finest of his career, coming as a surprise to everyone.
“We needed a breakthrough; sometimes you have to take risks that could change the game. There were mistakes, but the vital thing was the mentality and fight we demonstrated, especially from those who came off the bench,” the French international concluded.
“We’ll see where this mentality takes us, but I believe we can go far.”
In unfortunate news, Rafael Leao left the pitch in the first half with a suspected adductor strain in his right leg.