AC Milan aims to capitalize on their thrilling late victory in the derby against Inter as they prepare to host Lecce at San Siro on Friday night.
The saying ‘what a difference a derby makes’ rings true, as Milan snatched a surprising 2-1 win, clinched by Matteo Gabbia’s header in the 89th minute, allowing them to claim local bragging rights. This victory followed a disheartening 3-1 defeat to Liverpool just days earlier, raising questions about the future of coach Paulo Fonseca.
However, Fonseca recognizes that one win does not guarantee a turnaround for his squad. In his pre-match press conference, he emphasized that the derby success will only be meaningful if they can also triumph over Lecce.
Game date: Friday, September 27
Kick-off time: 20:45 (CEST)
Venue: San Siro
Referee: Luca Zufferli (VAR: Di Bello)
Team news
Milan must harness the momentum gained from such a significant win, particularly with challenging away fixtures on the horizon against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Fiorentina in Serie A following Lecce’s visit.
Regarding injuries, Ismael Bennacer will be out until 2025 after calf surgery, Marco Sportiello is sidelined due to a hand injury, and Alessandro Florenzi will miss out following knee surgery.
Additionally, Davide Calabria sustained an injury before the Inter match, leaving his participation in Friday’s game uncertain. Meanwhile, Malick Thiaw has healed from an ankle sprain and was included on the bench for the derby, making him available for selection.
In the derby victory, Fonseca caught many off guard by deploying a lineup featuring four forwards: Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao on the wings, with Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata leading the attack. This tactic raises questions about whether it can be replicated against Lecce.
The uncertainty now extends to Morata’s potential absence, as Fonseca confirmed he has been called up but may not play due to bursitis (inflammation of the joints), suggesting that they will not take any risks.
<p.In light of these uncertainties, it appears that the Portuguese coach will position Ruben Loftus-Cheek as the Trequartista. During the derby, Loftus-Cheek found himself in a role similar to Morata’s, seamlessly transitioning between attacking midfielder and striker.
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Nonetheless, there should be no alterations in the lineup. Maintaining the defensive line was a focal point in Fonseca’s press conference. Consequently, the same back four is expected to protect Mike Maignan.
Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders will continue to control the midfield; however, the Dutchman might alternate positions with Loftus-Cheek during the match if deemed necessary, as demonstrated in previous games.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Abraham.
The Opponents
The 2023-24 season has been inconsistent for Lecce, yet they managed to secure Serie A survival comfortably for the second consecutive year. This was achieved following a coaching change from Roberto D’Aversa to Luca Gotti amidst a disappointing stretch where they won only one out of 17 matches.
A few late victories under Gotti allowed Lecce to maintain his position and prompted efforts to construct a more consistent squad capable of potentially contending for a top-half finish.
During the summer transfer window, they acquired five players at a cost of €1-3m each: Filip Marchwinski from Lech Poznan, Kialonda Gaspar from Estrela, Lassana Coulibaly from Salernitana, Christian Fruchtl from Austria Wien, and Gaby Jean from FC Annecy.
Additively, they brought in seven free agents, including Frederic Guilbert from Strasbourg, Kevin Bonifazi from Bologna, Tete Morente from Elche, and Ante Rebic, who had been released by Besiktas after moving from Milan to the Turkish club.
On the sales front, they generated €30m, with Marin Pongracic transferring to Fiorentina for €15m, Valentin Gendrey going to Hoffenheim for €8.5m, and Gabriel Strefezza joining Como for €5m.
Lecce’s start to the 2024-25 season can be described as rocky. They suffered losses in their first two matches, with scores of 4-0 against Atalanta and 2-0 to Inter. However, they managed a 1-0 victory over Cagliari, despite playing with one fewer player, followed by a commendable 0-0 draw with high-flying Torino.
Recently, circumstances shifted, as the Salentini conceded two late goals, relinquishing a two-goal advantage at home against Parma. Additionally, they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia following a 2-0 defeat at home to Serie B side Sassuolo on Tuesday.
In terms of injuries, Gotti will be without Jeppe Corfitzen and Mohamed Kaba, both recovering from cruciate ligament injuries, and Joan Gonzalez, Nicola Sansone, and Medon Berisha are also likely to miss the match. Guilbert will be serving a suspension.
The Coppa Italia loss may have been influenced by Gotti rotating his squad to ensure his best players are fit for the trip to Milan. As a result, Federico Baschirotto and Wladimiro Falcone are set to return to the defensive lineup.
Furthermore, Nikola Krstovic is anticipated to rejoin the starting lineup and take charge up front after being rested during the encounter against Sassuolo.
Predicted Lecce XI (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Pelmard, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly; Morente, Oudin, Dorgu; Krstovic.
Head to Head
Milan has faced Lecce 43 times across all competitions throughout history, achieving 26 wins, 15 draws, and only two losses, resulting in a win rate of 60.5%.
The match at the Studio Via del Mare resembled a chaotic affair, with Milan taking a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of Olivier Giroud.
and Reijnders, but the home team surged back to level the game with swift second-half goals from Sansone and Banda.
The excitement didn’t conclude there, as Lecce appeared to have clinched a remarkable win with a long-range volley that surprised Maignan. However, the goal was ruled out for handball, followed by Giroud receiving a second yellow card.
At San Siro, the match followed a more predictable pattern as Pulisic and Giroud found the net within the first 20 minutes. Leao then added a third goal just before the hour mark to prevent any repeat of earlier chaos this season.
Lecce’s only victory over Milan at San Siro occurred back in October 1997. That match, also held in round six, saw Govedarica and Casale lead Lecce to a 2-1 triumph.
Key facts and stats
➤ Milan has not lost in 24 of their last 25 encounters with Lecce in Serie A, with a record of 13 wins and 11 draws, averaging 2.3 goals per game during this stretch (57 goals in total). The only defeat Lecce has suffered in this timeframe was in April 2006 (1-0 at Via del Mare stadium).
➤ Milan has secured victories in 10 out of their last 11 home matches against Lecce in Serie A, with only one draw and 32 goals scored (averaging 2.9 per game), while conceding just six. Indeed, Lecce has managed only one away win against the Rossoneri in 18 previous games in this competition (drawing three and losing 14), which was a 2-1 success under Cesare Prandelli in October 1997.
➤ Following just one victory in their previous 10 league matches (six draws, three losses), Milan has now won back-to-back games in Serie A for the first time since the streak of five wins from March to April 2024. Furthermore, they have not lost in 15 of their last 16 home games in Serie A (10 wins, 5 draws), scoring in each match (37 goals, averaging 2.3 per game); their only defeat during this period came against Inter in April.
➤ After drawing 0-0 with Torino and playing to a 2-2 stalemate against Parma, Lecce is on the verge of achieving three consecutive draws in Serie A for the first time since November and December 2023, when they had a four-match run, the first of which was against Milan at Via del Mare stadium.
➤ Milan has netted 11 goals in Serie A this season; they had only scored more in their first five matches in the 2020-21 season (12) across their last 21 Serie A seasons.
➤ Only Cagliari (85) has taken more shots than Lecce (82) and Milan (81, tied with Roma) in Serie A this season. Additionally, only Atalanta (9.5) has registered a higher expected goals tally than the Rossoneri (9.3).
➤ Since the beginning of last season, no Serie A player has been directly involved in more goals than Christian Pulisic across all competitions (31, including 19 goals and 12 assists), matching Lautaro Martínez’s tally of 27 goals and 4 assists. His teammate Rafael Leão follows closely with 30 contributions (16 goals and 14 assists).
➤ Rafael Leão has scored the most goals against Lecce in Serie A, netting five times in six matches, including a brace at Meazza stadium in April 2023. Notably, only two of Leão’s 48 goals in Serie A have come from headers, and both were against Lecce (June 2020 and April 2023).
➤ Nikola Krstovic has played a pivotal role in Lecce’s last six goals in Serie A, contributing four goals and one assist. He currently leads the league in both total shots attempted (26) and shots on target (10) this season.
Ones to watch
Milan should remain vigilant against Patrick Dorgu. The winger will challenge Emerson Royal, and due to the Brazilian full-back’s greater offensive capabilities, he must exercise caution when facing the elusive Dorgu.
Continuing with Emerson, the former Tottenham defender has the opportunity to further solidify his position.
He positions himself as the starting right-back. Challenging Dorgu will not only be an exciting test for him, but it also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate that his partnership with Pulisic can be successful once more. Should both he and Pulisic manage to showcase this effectiveness, Fonseca might struggle to consider alternatives.
Next, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has significant expectations to meet against Lecce. With Morata likely to sit out after an impressive showing, the Englishman is set to assume a substantial role that requires excellent execution. The midfield is currently a competitive area to break into, but a strong performance could pave the way for him to secure a spot.
Lastly, attention turns to the attacking front. During their match against Inter, the forward line was exceptional, yet numerous opportunities to secure the victory were missed. Now, facing a weaker opponent, they must be more efficient when chances arise.
Prediction
Milan’s recent scoring spree, coupled with the derby victory, should undoubtedly bolster the team’s confidence; otherwise, the hard work will feel wasted. Anything less than a three-point gain—respectfully to Lecce—would be deemed an inadequate result and could reignite previous uncertainties.
Milan 3-1 Lecce
AC Milan Aims for Continuity Against Lecce After Thrilling Derby Victory
Overview of AC Milan’s Recent Performance
Fresh off a thrilling victory in the local derby against Inter Milan, AC Milan is looking to maintain momentum as they prepare to face Lecce in their next Serie A match. This victory not only boosted the morale of the players and fans but also solidified their position among the top contenders in the league. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, AC Milan aims to secure another three points and continue their push for the Scudetto.
Key Highlights from the Derby Victory
- Scoreline: AC Milan secured a stunning 3-1 victory over Inter Milan.
- Standout Players: Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud were instrumental in the match, both contributing crucial goals.
- Tactical Masterclass: Coach Stefano Pioli’s game plan effectively neutralized Inter’s attacking threats while exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities.
Match Preview: AC Milan vs. Lecce
As AC Milan gears up to face Lecce, the focus is on maintaining consistency and building on the positive aspects witnessed in the derby. Lecce, while not as historically significant as other opponents, can pose challenges that Milan must navigate carefully.
Current Standings and Form
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| Lecce | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Injury Updates and Squad News
As the match approaches, AC Milan must also consider their squad depth and fitness levels:
- Injuries: Key players like Mike Maignan and Ismaël Bennacer are currently sidelined, impacting the starting eleven.
- Expected Returns: Bennacer is anticipated to return within a few weeks, bolstering the midfield options.
- Player Rotation: Expect Pioli to rotate players to manage fatigue and maintain squad freshness.
Tactical Approach Against Lecce
AC Milan’s tactical setup will be pivotal in overcoming Lecce’s defenses. Here’s what to expect:
Formation and Strategy
- Formation: Milan is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a solid structure while allowing for offensive flexibility.
- Midfield Dominance: Controlling the midfield will be crucial. Look for Tonali and Krunić to dictate play and support both defense and attack.
- Wing Play: With players like Leão exploiting the flanks, Milan can stretch Lecce’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Player to Watch
In the upcoming match, all eyes will be on Rafael Leão. His pace and dribbling ability make him a constant threat on the left wing, and he has the capability to change the course of the game single-handedly.
Why Leão is Crucial
- Recent Form: Leão has been in scintillating form, contributing both goals and assists in recent matches.
- Defensive Nightmare: His ability to beat defenders one-on-one makes him a linchpin in breaking down tight defenses.
Historical Context: AC Milan vs. Lecce
Historically, AC Milan has had a favorable record against Lecce. The last few encounters have seen Milan dominate, but every match presents a new challenge. Here’s a brief look at their last five meetings:
| Date | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 05/02/2023 | AC Milan 2 – 0 Lecce | San Siro |
| 09/10/2022 | Lecce 1 – 1 AC Milan | Via del Mare |
| 21/04/2022 | AC Milan 4 - 1 Lecce | San Siro |
| 23/12/2021 | Lecce 1 - 2 AC Milan | Via del Mare |
| 03/02/2021 | AC Milan 3 – 0 Lecce | San Siro |
Benefits of Continuity in Performance
Sustaining a winning streak is vital for AC Milan’s aspirations this season. Here are some benefits of maintaining continuity in performance:
- Boosts Confidence: Consistent performances build trust within the squad, enabling players to perform at their best.
- Enhances Team Chemistry: Regularly fielding the same players helps in developing on-field understanding, crucial for intricate passing and positioning.
- Psychological Edge: A strong performance against a local rival can instill fear in upcoming opponents, giving Milan a psychological advantage.
Practical Tips for Supporting AC Milan
For fans looking to support AC Milan during this crucial period, here are a few practical tips:
- Attend Matches: If possible, attending matches at San Siro can uplift the team’s spirits and create an electric atmosphere.
- Stay Updated: Follow AC Milan’s official channels for the latest news on player fitness, match previews, and post-match analyses.
- Engage on Social Media: Join conversations on platforms like Twitter and Instagram using hashtags like #ACMilan and #ForzaMilan.
Conclusion
As AC Milan prepares for its match against Lecce, the focus will be on building on their recent successes while addressing any challenges that may arise. With a strong tactical approach and key players stepping up, the Rossoneri aim for another victory to keep their title aspirations alive.
