TIME MACHINE: AC MILAN v LECCE

On the eve of this weekend's clash, we rewind to AC Milan 3-0 Lecce from the 2001/02 season - an afternoon when San Siro followed a simple script: an early lead, a second before half-time, and the knockout blow right after the restart. Goals from Kaladze, Ambrosini, and Shevchenko sealed a well-deserved win for Carlo Ancelotti's side, a victory that secured their place in the following season's Champions League.

San Siro was buzzing from the very start. AC Milan pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and looked especially lively down the left through Kaladze and Serginho. After a fine header from Inzaghi forced a brilliant save from Frezzolini, the breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute: Pirlo's free kick found Kaladze, who nudged it in for 1–0. Lecce tried to respond, but AC Milan's compact shape between the lines snuffed out their attacks and kept control of the tempo. The Rossoneri mixed patient build-up with sudden bursts of pace; Inzaghi went close to doubling the lead several times, just missing the final touch. Their pressure remained coordinated, with midfielders constantly breaking forward, until one of them, Ambrosini, was finally rewarded: in the 44th minute, he timed his run perfectly to head home from close range after a sweeping move that opened up space. AC Milan went into the break 2–0 up, with San Siro in full voice.

The second half began as the first had ended: AC Milan compact, intense, and sharp on the ball. Just three minutes in, they struck again. Once more the move came down the left: Serginho picked out Pirlo's run, the midfielder rounded the keeper and squared the ball - Inzaghi couldn't finish, but Shevchenko was there at the back post to tap in for 3-0. With the result now beyond doubt, the home side managed the rhythm smartly: measured possession, quick switches of play to relieve pressure, and solid defensive work on set pieces. Lecce had a few long-range efforts and low crosses, but the back line stood firm. Late on, AC Milan came close to adding a fourth from a counterattack down the left, but no matter. Final whistle, celebrations all round.

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