Kane's class - but England need new No.9 to lead World Cup bid

It's too easy for Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea look ominous

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Rashford branded a 'clown' after attending New York Knicks game

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

Barcelona icon Pique weighs in on Ronaldo & Messi GOAT debate

Neymar move ruled out as Brazilian club president mocks his injury struggles

Real Madrid 'prioritised shirt sales' with Mbappe signing

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Pulisic involved in Lazio red cards</li><li>Fans sent death threats to USMNT star</li><li>Coach Pioli spoke out against abuse</li></ul>

'Christian Pulisic doesn't need defending' - Stefano Pioli speaks out after AC Milan and USMNT star receives vile death threats

Serie A

AC Milan

Juventus

First League

SK Dynamo Ceske Budejovice

Slavia Prague

Lazio supporters <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/usmnt-christian-pulisic-death-threats-lazio-red-cards-ac-milan/blt74613cda6d61dcd8" target="_blank">sent the American a slew of abuse and threats</a> after his role in two of the three red cards their team were shown during the Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday, which Milan won 1-0. Pioli was asked about the abuse on Wednesday and made a brief comment on the situation.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"Pulisic does not need to be defended. His story speaks for itself. Social media has become a place for insults and rudeness and Pulisic has all our support," Pioli told reporters ahead of his team's Europa League clash against Slavia Prague.

WHAT PIOLI SAID

The Rossoneri hope to make it past the Czech club and into the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the first time. The last time they progressed beyond the last 16 of Europe's second-tier competition was in 2001-02, when they reached the final four of the UEFA Cup.Still, Pioli believes his team can go on to claim the title, saying: "You have to think you can win this cup, then it's clear that in addition to thinking that, you need to demonstrate skills. The team is doing well but now there's a complex obstacle to face. We certainly all have a chance of doing well."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pulisic, 25, has scored eight goals and has seven assists in all competitions for the San Siro team since joining from Chelsea last summer. He will hope to shake off the weekend's abuse by helping his side to a first-leg victory against Slavia.

WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

'Christian Pulisic doesn't need defending' - Stefano Pioli speaks out after AC Milan and USMNT star receives vile death threats | Goal.com

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has backed Christian Pulisic after the United States international received death threats from Lazio fans at the weekend.

&apos;Christian Pulisic doesn&apos;t need defending&apos; - Stefano Pioli speaks out after AC Milan and USMNT star receives vile death threats