Weston McKennie helped Juventus secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over Inter Milan, returning to the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Yunus Musah debuted for Atalanta in a commanding 4-1 win against Lecce. Both teams are gaining momentum as they prepare for upcoming Champions League matches.
Yunus Musah has joined Atalanta Bergamo on a one-season loan from AC Milan, with an option to buy next summer. The 22-year-old midfielder aims to bolster a transitioning squad after Atalanta’s coaching change. Musah’s versatility also addresses defensive gaps, and he is the first American player for the club amid their continued European competition.
In its second season under the expanded format, the eight-game, League-Phase slates for the Champions League were drawn today, setting up a number of highlights and tough pairings for participating Americans like Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie on the long road to next years knockout round and final in Budapest.
Several American players took part in matches across Europe, yielding varied performances. Matthew Hoppe played in SønderjyskE’s win but lacked impact, while Rokas Pukstas contributed in Hajduk Split’s victory. Other American players were either rested or did not see action. Overall, the weekend showed mixed results for Yanks abroad.
In the opening of the Serie A season, AC Milan suffered a 1-2 loss to newly promoted Cremonese, with Christian Pulisic showing moments of quality but failing to impact the scoreline significantly. In Serie B, Jonathan Klinsmann excelled, securing a 3-1 victory for Cesena against Pescara. Other Americans like Gianluca Busio, Weston McKennie and Andrija Novakovich had mixed results.
The playoff round of European competitions showcased several Americans’ performances. Erik Palmer-Brown scored for Panathinaikos, aiding their 2-1 victory. Dante Polvara’s goal helped Aberdeen draw 2-2. Celtic drew 0-0 with Kairat Almaty despite dominating possession, while other Americans like Leon Flach and Chris Richards contributed in various matches.
Andrija Novakovich has joined AC Reggiana 1919 on a two-year contract after leaving Venezia. The American forward, who has spent time on loan at Lecco and Bari, sought a permanent move after not fitting into Venezia’s plans. Reggiana aims to improve from their 14th place finish in Serie B last season.
Rokas Pukstas scored for Hajduk Split, intensifying transfer rumors prior to the summer window’s close. Meanwhile, Korede Osundina and Samuel Adeniran also found the net in their leagues. Notable performances in Denmark, Scotland, Croatia, Austria, Poland, and Portugal highlighted the weekend’s games featuring American players abroad.
Christian Pulisic’s standout performance with a goal led AC Milan to a 2-0 victory over Bari in the Coppa Italia. Venezia, led by Gianluca Busio, dominated Mantova with a 4-0 win. Meanwhile, Jonathan Klinsmann’s strong penalty shootout display was overshadowed as Cesena fell to Pisa after missing four penalties.