In the vibrant, baroque city of Lecce, where architectural elegance typically steals the show, AC Milan delivered a performance that was anything but ornate. It was, rather, a study in pragmatism: essential, concrete, and ruthlessly cynical. Following a somewhat deflating loss against Cremonese, the Rossoneri needed a clear statement, and a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Via del Mare certainly provided it.
The scoreline, sealed by goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic, tells only part of the story. It was a win built on minimizing risk, maximizing individual quality, and displaying a newfound defensive solidity that would undoubtedly bring a satisfied, if not outright joyful, nod from even the most stoic tacticians. Indeed, one might describe Milan`s approach as “Allegri distilled and compressed” – a lean, mean, points-gathering machine.
An Uninspiring Start and VAR`s Early Intervention
The first half of the encounter was, to put it mildly, not one for the highlight reel. Described by some as “ugly” and “pretty bad,” it saw both teams adopt a cautious approach, resulting in limited technical brilliance and a decidedly sluggish tempo. Yet, even in this somber opening, drama unfolded early. Just four minutes in, Milan`s Gabbia thought he had given his side the lead with a classic header from a corner. However, VAR promptly intervened, revealing a clear two-handed push. Goal disallowed. The incident set a precedent for a match where the fine margins, and the technology observing them, played a significant role.
For a good half-hour thereafter, the game settled into a torpor. Lecce`s Estupinan offered a moment of misplaced generosity, almost gifting a chance to Kaba and Pierotti. Milan, meanwhile, stirred slightly in the final ten minutes, with Loftus-Cheek heading a gentle ball directly into Falcone`s grateful gloves. The half closed with a couple of minor scares for Lecce, including a missed opportunity by Gimenez and a close save by Falcone from a Pavlovic deflection.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrates his opening goal for AC Milan against Lecce.
The Goals That Counted: Modric`s Magic and Maignan`s Masterstroke
The second half, thankfully, brought a different Milan to the fore – one ready to strike and counter with purpose. The deadlock was broken from a set-piece, a situation Milan has historically struggled with. A free-kick awarded on the left flank after Gaspar fouled Saelemaekers became the canvas for a moment of unexpected brilliance. With Luka Modric now seemingly having transplanted his magical foot to Milan, the Croatian midfielder delivered a perfectly weighted cross. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was ironically moments away from being substituted by Pulisic, met it with a powerful header, directing it to the far post beyond the outstretched arm of Falcone. A matter of seconds, indeed, can change everything in football.
The second goal, arriving just five minutes from full time, was even more unconventional. A long clearance from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, following a classic aerial duel, turned into an unexpected assist for Christian Pulisic. Finding himself clear in front of Falcone, Pulisic made no mistake, securing his fifth career goal against Lecce and effectively ending the contest.
Another VAR Drama and Youthful Promise
Before Pulisic`s decisive strike, Milan endured another VAR-induced emotional rollercoaster. Santiago Gimenez, a player who had already missed an earlier header, found the net in the 60th minute with a well-controlled, vertical pass from Saelemaekers. His celebration, complete with shirt-display in tribute to a teammate, was cut short as Marinelli, after another monitor review, ruled the goal out for a marginal offside. It was a moment that could have deflated a lesser team, but Milan maintained their composure.
Lecce, throughout this period, appeared “assopito” – sleepy and overwhelmed. Despite moments like Stulic burning Gabbia and forcing Maignan`s first real save, they struggled to pose a significant threat. Milan, in contrast, pressed on. Fofana tested Falcone with a curling shot, and substitute Ricci, making a positive impact, also forced a save. The introduction of Cheveyo Balentien, a 2006-born talent from Milan`s academy, in the dying minutes underscored a night that, despite the early struggles, ultimately delivered smiles and a sense of renewed hope for the Rossoneri faithful.
Conclusion: A Win of Substance, Not Style
This 2-0 victory against Lecce was not a flamboyant display of attacking football. Instead, it was a testament to efficiency, defensive organization, and the clinical finishing of key players. Milan navigated a tricky away fixture, overcame VAR interventions, and secured three vital points that allow them to breathe a little easier after their earlier setback. For now, the focus shifts from architectural splendor to the intricate blueprints of football success. The last three days of the transfer market, as the local sentiment suggests, might just deliver the final piece of defensive reinforcement needed to truly build on this essential, concrete step forward.
Gilbert Pendleton