In the picturesque, baroque city of Lecce, where architectural elegance meets passionate football, AC Milan delivered a performance that was anything but ornate. Following a disappointing season opener against Cremonese, the Rossoneri sought solace and three points, and they found both with a clinical 2-0 victory. This was not a flamboyant display, but rather a masterclass in efficiency and tactical discipline, a style that, fittingly, would bring a smile to any manager focused on results.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic were instrumental in securing Milan`s crucial win.
The Gritty First Half: A Tactical Chess Match
The opening 45 minutes at the Stadio Via del Mare might not feature in any highlight reels. It was, as the Italian press would politely put it, “grigio”—grey and unremarkable. Both teams appeared wary, engaging in a cautious dance that limited clear-cut opportunities. Milan, however, thought they had struck early. Just four minutes in, a classic header from a corner kick by Matteo Gabbia found the net. Jubilation was short-lived, as VAR intervened, flagging a clear two-handed push by Gabbia. The goal was rightly chalked off, setting the tone for a half where technical limitations and low tempo prevailed.
Lecce struggled to create any meaningful threat, with an egregious error from Estupiñán almost gifting Kaba and Pierotti a golden chance. Milan, while not sparkling, showed signs of life in the dying minutes. Loftus-Cheek had a header easily saved by Falcone, and a late scramble saw Giménez misfire when one-on-one and Pavlovic`s deflection smartly pushed wide by Falcone. The half ended goalless, leaving spectators longing for more.
Second Half Surge: Individual Brilliance and Clinical Finishes
The second half, thankfully, offered a stark contrast. Milan emerged with renewed purpose, demonstrating a willingness to strike and exploit spaces. The initial fifteen minutes saw another disallowed goal, this time from Santiago Giménez, whose well-taken strike from a Saelemaekers assist was nullified by a marginal offside. It was a cruel blow for the striker, who had beautifully controlled and finished the move. Yet, the trend was established: Milan was pushing.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 65th minute from a set-piece—a situation Milan had historically struggled with. A free-kick, earned by Saelemaekers, was delivered with exquisite precision by the ageless maestro, Luka Modric. The Croatian`s pass found Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who, just moments before he was slated for substitution, rose imperiously to head the ball past a sprawling Falcone. It was a goal born from a touch of magic and a burst of physicality, proving that sometimes, timing is everything.
As Lecce seemed to fade, Milan pressed their advantage. Stulic, a second-half substitute for the struggling Camarda, managed Lecce`s first real shot on target, brilliantly saved by Mike Maignan. But it was Maignan himself who would initiate Milan`s second goal. A long, booming clearance from the French goalkeeper turned into an unexpected assist after a crucial aerial duel. The ball fell perfectly for Christian Pulisic, who, with characteristic calmness, dispatched it past Falcone five minutes from time. This marked Pulisic`s fifth career goal against Lecce, a curious and effective streak.
“Milan`s win in Lecce wasn`t a symphony of attacking football, but rather a meticulously composed piece focused on defensive harmony and opportune strikes. It served as a timely reminder that beauty in football often lies in calculated efficiency.”
Tactical Nuances and Player Spotlights
The match showcased Milan`s embrace of a more pragmatic, “Allegri-esque” approach:
- Defensive Solidity: Milan`s backline, marshaled with precision, minimized risks, allowing Lecce almost no clear chances from open play.
- Set-Piece Threat: The opening goal from a Modric free-kick highlighted an improved focus on maximizing dead-ball situations.
- Individual Brilliance: Despite the collective effort, moments of individual quality—Modric`s pass, Loftus-Cheek`s header, Pulisic`s finish—were decisive.
Luka Modric`s presence was particularly striking. The article aptly describes him as a “marziano” (Martian), a player whose vision and technical prowess elevates the entire midfield. His assist for Loftus-Cheek was a testament to his enduring quality, a luxury for any Serie A side. Young talent also saw action, with 2006-born Cheveyo Balentien making a significant debut, hinting at Milan`s future investments.
Lecce`s Struggles and Milan`s Relief
For Lecce, the match exposed significant vulnerabilities. Their attacking output was minimal, and defensive lapses proved costly. Manager Di Francesco, with a recent track record of relegations and dismissals, faces a challenging task to galvanize his squad. The home side`s performance was, to put it mildly, lacklustre, unable to cope with Milan`s second-half intensity.
For Milan, this 2-0 victory provides a crucial breath of fresh air. It was a much-needed response after their initial stumble, showcasing resilience and a growing tactical maturity. While not always pretty, the “essential, concrete, and cynical” approach delivered results. The win, coupled with renewed hope for defensive reinforcements in the transfer market, offers optimism as the season progresses. Milan fans, finally, have something to sing about, echoing old glories with new voices.
