Milan’s recent encounter against Lecce marked a significant turnaround following their disappointing start to the Serie A season. After suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Cremonese, the Rossoneri rebounded with a well-executed 2-0 victory at the Stadio Via del Mare. This match signaled the beginning of what many hope will be a fruitful era under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Match Overview
The match commenced with Milan showing intent, initially appearing to find the net through Matteo Gabbia, who headed in a well-placed cross from Luka Modric. However, this goal was disallowed after a VAR review deemed a foul had occurred in Lecce’s penalty box. Despite the setback, Milan dominated possession and continued to create opportunities, albeit without successful conversion in the first half.
Lecce’s goalkeeper, Wladimiro Falcone, delivered an impressive performance, thwarting multiple attempts from the Milan攻撃. The visitors went into halftime frustrated but unfazed, as they continued to control the pace and rhythm of the game.
As the second half unfolded, Santiago Gimenez was another source of excitement for Milan fans, nearly scoring with a right-footed finish that was once again ruled out for offside. The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when Ruben Loftus-Cheek, glancing in a pass from Modric, sent the ball into the far corner of the net, giving Milan the long-awaited lead.
Lecce attempted to respond, creating a few opportunities, but Milan’s Mike Maignan was alert, making a critical save to keep the visitors ahead. In a fitting end to the match, substitute Christian Pulisic sealed the victory with a confident strike in the 86th minute, ensuring that Milan went into the international break on a high note.
Player Ratings
Milan (3-5-2 Formation)
Mike Maignan – 7/10
Maignan had little to do throughout the match, but he proved his worth with a crucial save that preserved the clean sheet.
Strahinja Pavlovic – 8/10
Pavlovic responded excellently to a lackluster previous performance, nullifying Lecce’s attacking threats effectively while maintaining composure in possession.
Matteo Gabbia – 7/10
An unfortunate disallowed goal did not deter Gabbia from having a solid display. Despite a slight lapse in concentration that nearly cost his team, he offered a reassuring presence at the back.
Fikayo Tomori – 7/10
Tomori performed reliably, making it difficult for Lecce’s attacking players to find space while contributing to the team’s buildup play.
Yunus Musah – 6/10
Although deployed out of position, Musah showed enough promise to warrant further opportunities. His pass to Loftus-Cheek was notable, but he needs to work on his ball control.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8/10
Loftus-Cheek delivered perhaps his best display in a Milan shirt, scoring the pivotal first goal and demonstrating the creativity and drive needed in the midfield.
Luka Modric – 8/10
The veteran playmaker displayed remarkable poise and intelligence, acting as the linchpin of Milan’s midfield and contributing two significant assists.
Youssouf Fofana – 6/10
While he played a more restrained role, Fofana fulfilled his defensive duties effectively but didn’t impact the game offensively.
Pervis Estupinan – 6/10
Although maintaining pace and intensity, Estupinan still has work to do on his defensive responsibilities, which could be crucial in future matches.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 5/10
Saelemaekers struggled to impact the game as Milan’s second striker, appearing lost in crucial moments and failing to make a mark.
Santiago Gimenez – 7/10
Though denied for offside twice, Gimenez’s ability to find dangerous positions continues to be a positive indicator for Milan’s attacking options.
Substitutes
Samuele Ricci – 6/10
Ricci’s contribution was solid but uneventful; he provided support without making any significant impact.
Christian Pulisic – 7/10
Pulisic proved his worth as a substitute, showing determination and composure to finish off the game with a well-timed goal.
Conclusion
Milan’s victory over Lecce is a timely boost for Allegri’s side, signaling a potential resurgence after a rocky start to the season. The performances from the likes of Modric and Loftus-Cheek highlight a renewed belief among the squad, and with the upcoming international break, the team can focus on fine-tuning their tactics for the challenges ahead.
The season ahead promises to be intriguing as Milan aims to build on this win and create a consistent run that could see them contend for higher honors in Serie A. As always, maintaining defensive solidity while bolstering their attacking prowess will be key for Allegri’s tenure. With continued growth and collaboration among the squad, the Rossoneri are well-positioned to navigate through the challenges that lie ahead.
