Christian Pulisic was once again the star man as AC Milan made an early-season statement in a 2-1 win over Napoli.

Pulisic grabbed a sensational assist within the first three minutes at San Siro, then added a 31st-minute goal to give his side a two-goal advantage.

Despite going down to 10 men in the second half, Milan held on for a vital three points over the defending champions.

The win was Milan's fourth straight in Serie A, taking the Rossoneri into first place on goal differential over previously unblemished Napoli.

After a stunning loss to Cremonese to begin the campaign, Milan (4W-0D-1L) looks like an early-season title contender under new coach Max Allegri.

Pulisic is a major factor behind Milan's resurgence, as the U.S. men's national team star is now up to six goals and two assists in seven total games.

That includes four goals and two assists in his past three games after last week's dominant effort against Udinese and a midweek Coppa Italia goal against Lecce.

The 27-year-old made a major impact just three minutes in after taking a positive first touch with the outside of his foot past Luca Marianucci near midfield.

Pulisic carried on into Napoli's half and once again beat a lunging Marianucci before playing a perfect low cross for Alexis Saelemaekers to finish at the back post.

Pulisic was at it again later in the half. Strahinja Pavlović found Youssouf Fofana in the box and the French midfielder played a perfect first-touch layoff to Pulisic, whose first-time shot deflected off a defender and into the net.

The match turned in the 57th minute when Pervis Estupiñán was sent off for a foul in the box on Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Kevin De Bruyne converted from the spot to halve the deficit.

Pulisic, whom Allegri said before the game nearly wasn't able to start, was quickly subbed off for Davide Bartesaghi in a defensive change, with Milan holding on from there.

AC Milan has a high-profile clash against Juventus next weekend before the international break.

Pulisic is set to join his USMNT teammates in the U.S. ahead of friendlies against Ecuador (Oct. 10) and Australia (Oct. 14).

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Pulisic stars as AC Milan beats Napoli to take first place

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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