Shevchenko: ‘Don’t believe’ what they say about Pulisic, Milan can reopen title race
Andriy Shevchenko feels Milan can reopen the title race if they beat Inter tonight and does not believe that Christian Pulisic is already focused on the World Cup with the USMNT.
Former Milan star Shevchenko spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s derby della Madonnina between the Rossoneri and their city rivals Inter.
“The ten-point gap in the table doesn’t mean much. If Milan win, the title race is open again. The derby can change the fate, especially at this point in the season,” Sheva said.
“All games will be unpredictable for everybody, until the end.”
Inter are the runaway table leaders in Serie A and have proved to be the best team in Italy to this point.
“As a team, yes. They are currently the best in Italy, and I like the way Chivu coaches them,” said the ex-Milan star.
“He’s always been smart, even as a footballer. He had creativity on the field, and he’s proving to be a good coach. You can see that the team respects him and has a nice playing style.”
Milan sit second but have only lost two Serie A games this season under Massimiliano Allegri.
“Max is a guarantee. He has transformed Milan,” Shevchenko said.
“He has given competitiveness to the team and has made the players stronger. He has experience and precise characteristics. He shapes a group with his ideas, and he’s a formidable manager.”
Christian Pulisic has had a fantastic start to the season, but he has not yet scored a goal in 2026. The American star has been on and off the pitch in the first three months of the year due to recurring injuries, including bursitis.
“Don’t believe the story that a player of his calibre is already thinking about the World Cup. It’s impossible,” Shevchenko said.
“When a player goes on the pitch, he always wants to give his best at that moment. Pulisic has scored important goals and will continue to do so, first for Milan and then for the USMNT at the World Cup.”
Rafael Leao will partner with Pulisic in the Milan attack tonight.
“Rafa is proving to have matured. He tries to give his best in a role other than his natural one to follow the coach’s demands,” Shevchenko said.
“Capello is right. He’s not a centre-forward, but he’s able to carry out his tasks, attack the space and be ready. When you rely on quick counter-attacks, Rafa’s sprints are decisive. Then you can’t expect him to hold the ball or be a No.9 like Ibrahimovic, because he has a different skill set.”
Luka Modric has proved to be a vital player for Milan, despite being 40.
“He must stay until he has the fire inside. Despite his charisma, he helps and is available, without asking for anything in return,” Shevchenko concluded.
“He’s having an extraordinary season, and we all know his qualities. I played against him, and the way he interprets the game is astonishing. He’s a fantastic person, too, a good guy. He plays with intensity, sacrifice and team spirit.”