CRUISING INTO THE ROUND OF 16
Coppa Italia
AC Milan continues its journey in the Coppa Italia with a convincing 3-0 victory against Lecce in the round of 32. The Rossoneri, in a packed San Siro, dominated the match from the early minutes, opening the scoring in the 20th minute with a goal from Santiago Giménez, perfectly assisted by Davide Bartesaghi. The team, still led by Marco Landucci, consolidated their lead in the second half with goals from Christopher Nkunku in the 51st minute and Christian Pulišić in the 65th minute, ending the match with a second consecutive 3-0 win, like that in Udine. With this victory, AC Milan confirms its excellent form, extending its positive streak and advancing to the next round of the competition.
AC Milan's performance was solid and determined, with a focused defense and incisive attack. The sending off of Jamil Siebert in the 18th minute made the task easier for the Rossoneri, who capitalized on their numerical advantage to control the game and create numerous scoring opportunities. The team showed great cohesion and team spirit, with a dynamic midfield led by Adrien Rabiot and Samuele Ricci. Landucci's substitutions, including the introduction of Youssouf Fofana and Christian Pulišić, injected new energy into the team, maintaining high intensity until the final whistle. Fans can look forward to upcoming challenges with confidence, assured that AC Milan will continue to fight with determination to achieve new goals.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v LECCE
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with AC Milan immediately on the front foot, taking control of the game from the outset. After a few chances thanks to Loftus-Cheek a Gimenez, in the 18th minute, a key moment occurred when Jamil Siebert of Lecce was sent off for a last-man foul on Christopher Nkunku, leaving his team with ten men. The Rossoneri capitalised on this advantage quickly, opening the scoring in the 20th minute with Santiago Gimenez, who found the net from a Bartesaghi assist. AC Milan continued to push, nearly going close to doubling the lead: in the 30th minute, Pavlović found Saelemaekers, the Belgian crossed for Rabiot who hit the bar. Lecce, who aimed to resist the chances from the Rossoneri, found themselves defending a free-kick from Pavlović. The attempt was denied by Früchtl, keeping the score 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, AC Milan started strongly and doubled their lead in the 51st minute with Nkunku, who scored through an overhead-kick, marking his first goal for the Rossoneri and 100th career goal. The Rossoneri were not content and continued to push, finding a third goal in the 64th minute through Pulisic, set up by Fofana. Lecce attempted to respond, but AC Milan's defense remained solid and alert, repelling any opposition attempts. In the closing stages, Landucci made several substitutions to manage energy levels, bringing on Balentien and Odogu, the latter making his debut. The match concluded without further incident, with AC Milan celebrating a well-deserved and convincing victory.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 3-0 LECCE
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlović (78' Odogu); Saelemaekers (60' Athekame), Loftus-Cheek, Ricci (45' Fofana), Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Nkunku (60' Pulisic), Gimenez (68' Balentien). Subs: Terracciano, Torriani; Estupiñan, Gabbia, Modrić; Balentien. Coach: Landucci (Allegri squalificato).
LECCE (4-3-3): Früchtl; Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Ndaba; Dramé (45' Pierotti), Berisha (80' Coulibaly), Helgason (45' Gorter); N'Dri (21' Gaspar), Camarda, Morente (57' Gallo). Subs: Falcone, Samooja; Kouassi; Kovač, Ramadani, Sala; Štulić. Coach: Di Francesco.
Refree: Tremolada from Monza.
Goals: 21' Gimenez (M), 51' Nkunku (M), 65' Pulisic (M).
Booked: 35' Ricci (M), 43' Dramé (L) 70' Pavlović (M).
Sent off: 18' Siebert (L).
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