Christian Pulisic's talent was 'never in doubt' claims Stefano Pioli as forward helps AC Milan to win at Bologna

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli claimed he had "no doubts" over Christian Pulisic after watching him score in a 2-0 win over Bologna.

Olivier Giroud opened the scoring after 11 minutes with Pulisic in the build up, and the Frenchman then returned the favour with an assist for the American to double the lead.

Pulisic had struggled to convince at former club Chelsea but, speaking to DAZN, Pioli praised his new signing and the rest of the players at his disposal.

“I think the more you give the ball to players with quality, the better your odds of scoring a goal. It doesn’t matter if it is Rafael Leao or anyone else,” he said after the match.

“We need to work more to find a better balance, but those who have arrived certainly know how to play football and that is a good place to start from.

"We only had four friendlies and this first game of the season, so there’s work to be done, but we are on the right track.”

Pioli also discussed the team’s heavy recruitment so far this summer, explaining: “I am satisfied, because I had asked the directors for certain characteristics in specific roles rather than naming names, and they gave me those.

"The old guard have helped the newcomers to settle quickly, while the new players are getting accustomed to a style of football that they are not used to.

“I always knew Pulisic was a talent, this was never in doubt. In the phone call I had with him before he signed, it was evident that he was bringing a lot of quality to the squad. On top of that, he is also a very versatile player who can fill in for Leao or play behind the striker when needed.”

At 36, Giroud continues to contribute with important goals, and Pioli praised the Frenchman, also a former Chelsea player, especially in light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement.

He said: “He sets the example, he is a leader on and off the field, always has the right attitude and is ready to work for the team. He has won so much in his career, he is happy at Milan. It’s true that he is no longer that young, so we must find a way to give him a breather every now and then, but I am very pleased to be coaching this great person.

“We miss Zlatan, that is for sure, but he did so much for this group and the best thing is that he helped us grow in terms of mentality. His absence is felt, but the players have grown thanks to him and learned so much over the last four years.”

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