Americans Abroad: Pulisic’s Milan Kick Off in Coppa Italia, Cardoso Eyes First Impression, Richards and Palace Face Chelsea Test

From the Premier League to La Liga and Serie A – The Biggest USMNT Storylines in Europe This Weekend

European football is back in full swing, and with it comes another season of Americans Abroad making headlines across the continent. The English Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga are all firing up this weekend, meaning it’s time for the U.S. stars to stake their claim, prove their worth, and—if we’re lucky—deliver some early-season drama.

This is the stretch of the calendar where first impressions matter. For some, it’s about hitting the ground running after a summer transfer. For others, it’s about shaking off last season’s frustrations and reminding everyone why they belong at the top level. And for USMNT hopefuls eyeing the 2026 World Cup roster, every performance is a note on Mauricio Pochettino’s notepad.

Richards and Palace Face a Chelsea Test

Crystal Palace v Liverpool – 2025 FA Community Shield

Fresh off lifting the Community Shield after a gritty 1-0 win over Liverpool, Chris Richards and Crystal Palace aren’t easing into their Premier League season—they’re diving headfirst into a meeting with Chelsea.

Palace might have a trophy in the cabinet already, but Chelsea aren’t exactly a soft launch. The Blues overhauled their squad this summer and arrive as legitimate contenders, still riding the momentum from their FIFA Club World Cup triumph.

For Richards, this is a chance to send a loud message in Week One: that he’s ready to be one of the Premier League’s best defenders. Last season, his performances against the “big six” were some of his most commanding, and he’ll need to summon that same level with Chelsea’s attack boasting the likes of Cole Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and more.

History doesn’t favor Palace here—Chelsea have won 20 of their all-time meetings, with just four victories for the Eagles—but recent form does. Palace split last season’s two meetings and are a much more confident outfit under Oliver Glasner. With the FA Cup already in their pocket from last spring and the Community Shield now secured, they’re no longer just happy to compete—they expect to win.

Pulisic and Musah Seek Fresh Start in Coppa Italia

AC Milan v Bologna – Serie A

Over in Italy, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah are set to kick off AC Milan’s competitive season with a Coppa Italia clash against Serie B side Bari. It’s been nearly 15 years since these two clubs last faced off competitively—a 1-1 draw back in 2011—but the stakes this time are very different.

For Milan, there’s no margin for error. Last season’s Coppa Italia run ended in heartbreak, a 1-0 loss to Bologna in the final, and it cost them a spot in European competition. Under new manager Max Allegri, the Rossoneri are looking to right those wrongs immediately.

Pulisic, fit again after a minor knock kept him out of Milan’s last two preseason friendlies, is poised for his first competitive minutes since May. He skipped the Gold Cup this summer to recover fully, and now the stage is set for him to open the season with a statement performance.

Musah, meanwhile, had a busy preseason—five appearances, starting the last three—and has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Napoli all linked. As of now, though, he’s still very much in Milan’s plans.

For both Americans, this match is more than a cup tie—it’s a reset button. A chance to bury the frustrations of last season and start the campaign on a winning note.

Cardoso’s Atletico Debut – A Midfield Test Under Simeone

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In Spain, Johnny Cardoso is preparing for what could be one of the defining weekends of his young career. Atletico Madrid open their La Liga campaign at home to Espanyol, and Cardoso is expected to make his league debut.

The 23-year-old arrives with big expectations, tasked with filling the void left by Rodrigo De Paul, who left for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami earlier this summer. Manager Diego Simeone is known for demanding everything from his midfielders—both in work rate and tactical discipline—and Cardoso will need to adapt quickly.

Preseason offered glimpses of what he can bring, with solid showings in back-to-back friendly wins, but the real test begins now. And Espanyol, awkwardly enough, have been something of a bogey team for Atleti—four straight draws since 2022.

For Cardoso, this isn’t just about helping Atletico take three points. It’s about showing he belongs in Simeone’s trusted core. If he can lock down a starting spot in Madrid, it would send a strong signal to Pochettino that his USMNT place should be more secure heading into World Cup qualifying.

Around Europe – Other Americans to Watch

Norwich City FC v Leeds United FC – Championship

It’s not just Pulisic, Musah, Richards, and Cardoso making moves this weekend. Across Europe, other U.S. internationals are getting their seasons underway:

• Josh Sargent (Norwich City) – Back in Championship action, looking for his third goal in as many matches. The Canaries host Portsmouth on Saturday, and Sargent’s hot start could be a sign of another prolific season.

• Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) – Starts his Eredivisie campaign against FC Twente on Sunday. U.S. striker Ricardo Pepi won’t feature after PSV boss Peter Bosz revealed he has fluid in his knee.

• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse) & Tanner Tessmann (Lyon) – Both start their Ligue 1 seasons this weekend. Expect Tessmann, newly arrived from Venezia, to battle for midfield minutes straight away.

• Folarin Balogun (Monaco) – The forward begins another Ligue 1 campaign with a point to prove after an inconsistent season last year.

Why This Weekend Matters

The first week of a season might not decide a title race, but it can shape a player’s year. For Americans Abroad, momentum is currency. A strong start not only boosts confidence but also helps them secure consistent playing time—a key factor when the USMNT’s World Cup preparations are already in the back of everyone’s mind.

Pulisic needs to reassert himself as a difference-maker. Musah needs to remind Milan—and potential suitors—of his value. Richards has the chance to plant his flag as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. And Cardoso? He has the rare opportunity to impress one of the most demanding managers in world football right out of the gate.

With games spread across England, Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, American fans are spoiled for choice. By Sunday night, we could be talking about goals, assists, crunching tackles, and maybe even an upset or two.

Final Word – A Season of Opportunity

As the whistle blows on the first full weekend of the European football calendar, it feels like we’re standing at the edge of something big for the U.S. player pool. There’s experience at the highest level, young talent breaking through, and—crucially—Americans in the middle of meaningful roles for major clubs.

From Pulisic in Milan to Cardoso in Madrid, from Richards in London to Sargent in Norwich, the storylines are rich and the stakes are high. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that the Americans Abroad chapter of any season has a knack for delivering the unexpected.

Here’s hoping this weekend is just the start.