Christian Pulisic sinks USMNT teammate in Saudi Arabia

Juventus and AC Milan met in the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italia, played at Al -Awwal Park, Riyadh.

Christian Pulisic was on the scoresheet for AC Milan on Friday, helping his team to a 2-1 win over Juventus in the Supercoppa Italia. The USMNT star returned from injury in time take take on his international teammate Weston McKennie, who was playing for Juventus.

It was Juve who took the lead at Al-Awwal Park, Saudi Arabia through youngster Kenan Yildiz. Pulisic levelled things from the spot before a Federico Gatti own goal edged Milan into the lead with just 15 minutes remaining.

Both Pulisic and McKennie started for their respective teams, coming up against each other on the flank. McKennie was fielded as a makeshift left-back for Juventus, while Pulisic was operating off the right wing. Milan now advance to take on city rivals Inter Milan in the final.

The Supercoppa is an annual meeting of the top teams in Italy. Since 2023 it has featured the winner and runner-up of the Italian championship and the Coppa Italia, the domestic cup competition.

Why is the Supercoppa Italia played in Saudi Arabia?

Juventus and AC Milan are two of European soccer’s true giants. Juventus have won more championships than any other Italian team, while AC Milan are the nation’s most successful team in continental competition. Seeing these two teams take to the field in Saudi Arabia may seem like a disconnect, but the Supercoppa Italia has long been an international affair.

Since it was introduced in 1988, Supercoppa games have been held in the United States, China, Qatar and Libya. The move overseas is nothing new but it does hint at a growing sporting partnership between Saudi Arabia and Italian soccer.

This year’s edition is the fifth time that the Supercoppa Italia has been held in Saudi. The first, in 2019, culminated in a Juventus win over AC Milan, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal.

Italian soccer’s top flight, Serie A, made a five-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority (GSA) in a bid to bring more elite-level sport to the region. In 2023 it was expanded to a four-team tournament, replacing the previous two-team version.