AC MILAN v LECCE: THE DEBRIEFING

AC Milan beat Lecce 3-0 at San Siro and recorded their fifth consecutive victory in Serie A in the process. The two-goal lead provided by Pulisic and Giroud in the first half was then followed up by Rafa Leão early in the second to secure the win. In-between, just before half-time, Krstović's sending off definitively killed off any hope for the Giallorossi and it was smooth sailing onwards for the Rossoneri. Let's delve deeper into three key situations that proved crucial in our success on matchday 31.

PULISIC AND THE EARLY GOAL
Ten like in today's role in the Rossoneri's 4-2-3-1 formation and ten like the number of goals scored in this league campaign so far for the inspired American. With Loftus-Cheek out, the Christian Pulisic solution in the attacking midfield position worked great; only six minutes were enough to convince even the most sceptical, i.e. the time it took for Chris to break the deadlock. Lecce had shut up shop and wanted to defend their own goal from the off, but unlocking the game early on was vital in setting the wheels off in perfect motion. Technique, class, and confidence in his own abilities: all of this was contained in the beautifully-angled left-footed shot Pulisic unleashed, who is in superb form.

ATTACKING WINGPLAY
Chukwueze's enterprise on one side and Leão's clinical prowess in finishing on the other, backed up by Calabria and Hernández pushing forward, the Rossoneri’s two wingers ran and put the Salento rearguard on the backfoot for long stretches, paving the way towards the three points. The successful dribbles and one-on-ones were a major factor against the compact Giallorossi defence. Sammy started strong and got the crowd up on their feet with several mazy runs, one culminating with an assist to Pulisic; Rafa was less vibrant in the game, but attacked the space at the right time to grab the third goal. A special mention also goes to our number 9, Olivier Giroud, on the scoresheet once again from a set-piece.

SECOND HALF CONTROL
Krstović's sending off before the break further facilitated a second half in which the Rossoneri managed their energy reserves ahead of the upcoming European tie, stepping up the pace at the right times. However, victory was not a given, as Lecce had looked dangerous on the break and also because, seen here at San Siro this season, Slavia Prague had remained in the game for a long time despite their numerical disadvantage. This time though, the Rossoneri, with Adli on form, dictated the tempo for the entire 90 minutes, without ever at risk of letting their opponents back into the game and finding a lifeline. Coach Pioli's substitutions kept the team on their toes and gave a new spring to all three units, Terracciano and Kjær – as well as others – got some important minutes under their belt, too.

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