Match overview and tactical set‑up
The Dacia Arena turned into a showcase for AC Milan on a crisp September evening. Facing a disciplined Udinese side that lined up in a 4-4-2, Milan opted for a fluid 4-3-3, with veteran defenders Tomori and Gabbia anchoring the back line. Their midfield trio blended experience with youthful vigor, while the attacking trio of Pulisic, Rabiot and a rotating winger kept pressure on the Udinese defence from the first whistle.
Udinese’s starting eleven featured Sava between the sticks, a back four of Zemura, Solet, Kristensen and Ehizibue, and a midfield quartet of Atta, Zarraga, captain Karlström and Ekkelenkamp. The pair of forwards, Bravo Solanilla and Davis, were tasked with exploiting the spaces left by Milan’s high line.
Key moments, individual brilliance and statistical milestones
Early on, Milan asserted dominance. In the third minute, Pulisic cut inside and curled a low shot that Sava tipped away at the near post, signalling the intent of the visitors. A further chance fell to Santiago Gimenez in the 19th minute, who found himself one‑on‑one with Sava after a slick pass from Estupiñan, but the Udinese keeper held firm.
The breakthrough arrived just before the half‑hour mark. Estupiñan lofted a cross that tangled among the Udinese back four, leaving Pulisic free to slot the ball home from close range. The goal not only broke the deadlock but also opened the floodgates for Milan’s attacking rhythm.
Coming out of the break, Milan struck with surgical precision. Within seconds of the restart, Pulisic recovered a loose ball in the box, delivered a quick pass to Youssouf Fofana, who finished cleanly to double the lead. The momentum continued to build, and in the 53rd minute Pulisic completed his brace, receiving an incisive assist from Adrien Rabiot and driving the ball past a stretching Terracciano.
Udinese tried to respond, introducing Zanoli, Modesto and others at the 59th minute, but Milan’s defensive shape held. Tomori’s interceptions and Gabbia’s aerial command kept the Italians at bay, while Terracciano faced only a handful of long‑range attempts, all of which he managed to parry.
Substitutions in the closing phase offered a glimpse of Milan’s future. Zachary Athekame earned his first minutes in a Rossoneri shirt, appearing briefly as the match wound down. The only bookings were issued to Udinese’s Atta (30th minute) and Zemura (50th minute) for minor dissent.
Beyond the three‑goal win, the fixture stamped several historic footnotes on Milan’s season. It marked the third occasion the club has begun a Serie A campaign with two away victories without conceding—a feat previously recorded in the 1971/72 and 1989/90 campaigns. Pulisic’s contribution placed him in elite company: he became the first player in the last three top‑flight seasons to register at least 25 goals and 15 assists, and the first Milan player since May 2023 to be directly involved in three goals in a single league match.
With three points added, Milan climbed to third place in the league table, underscoring a promising start to the 2025/2026 season and highlighting the depth of Paulo Fonseca’s squad as they eye a sustained challenge for the Scudetto.
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