AC MILAN BOUNCE BACK AT LECCE | OneFootball

AC Milan claimed an important victory on matchday 2 of the 2025/26 Serie A season, defeating Lecce 2-0 at the Via del Mare. After their previous home defeat against Cremonese, the Rossoneri showed determination and quality, finding the net in the second half through Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic. The win lifts AC Milan to three points in the table, signalling renewed competitiveness after a difficult start. The match was balanced in the first half, but AC Milan capitalised on their chances after the restart to come away with the win.

AC Milan lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, aiming to control the game and create scoring opportunities. After a goalless first half, the Rossoneri increased the pressure in the second half, taking the lead in the 66th minute with a header from Loftus-Cheek from a Modrić assist. Allegri's team continued to push, and, in the 86th minute, Pulisic sealed the victory with a precise left-footed shot. AC Milan’s backline held firm to keep a clean sheet, with Maignan assured between the posts and the defence fully focused. Despite a few early difficulties, the Rossoneri showed character and determination - qualities that will be vital in the challenges ahead. Forza Milan!

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM LECCE v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT The first half was characterised by a balance between the two teams, with AC Milan trying to take control of the game from the early minutes. Gabbia had an early goal ruled out in the fourth minute, while Loftus-Cheek twice went close just after the half-hour - first seeing a shot blocked by the Lecce defence before Falcone saved his header. Dramé blazed over for the hosts as half-time approached, but AC Milan finished the stronger, with Gimenez and Saelemaekers both threatening in added time as the sides went in goalless.

In the second half, AC Milan increased the tempo and - after Gimenez had another goal chalked off, this time for offside - took the lead in the 66th minute with a header from Loftus-Cheek from a Modrić cross. Lecce tried to respond, but the Rossoneri defence held firm, with Maignan making a crucial save to deny Štulić in the 77th minute. Allegri made strategic substitutions, bringing on Ricci and Pulisic, who injected new energy into the team. In the 86th minute, our No.11 made it 2-0 with a precise left-footed finish, effectively sealing the win. AC Milan comfortably managed their advantage in the closing stages - with debutant Balentien nearly adding a third - to secure a deserved victory and a timely boost to team morale.

MATCH DETAILS

LECCE 0-2 AC MILAN

LECCE (4-3-3): Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani (81' Helgason), Dramé (63' Berisha); Pierotti (63' Sottil), Camarda (46' Štulić), Morente (81' N'Dri). Subs: Früchtl, Samooja; Kouassi, Ndaba, Pérez, Siebert; Maleh, Sala; Banda. Coach: Di Francesco.

AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović; Musah, Loftus-Cheek (76' Ricci), Modrić, Fofana, Estupiñan; Saelemaekers (77' Pulisic), Gimenez (87' Balentien). Subs: Pittarella, Terracciano; Athekame, Bartesaghi, De Winter; Chukwueze. Coach: Allegri.

Referee: Marinelli from Tivoli. Goals: 65' Loftus-Cheek (M), 86' Pulisic (M). Booked: 64' Gaspar (L).

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