LECCE v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

A struggling opponent, wounded, compelled to react with a fight. An uncomfortable venue for AC Milan, just ‘resurrected’ in Europe but still obliged to avoid any mistakes to correct this difficult period in Serie A. Matches against Lecce are never easy, hiding various pitfalls and holding precious points that could point either team in a certain direction in the short term. In this Briefing, we try to figure out potential moves for this Matchday 12 meeting, scheduled for 11 November at 15:00 at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero-Via del Mare.

OPENING MINUTES FUNDAMENTAL, DECISIVE PERHAPS
The amount of energy, both physical and mental, that the Rossoneri expended on Tuesday in the Champions League must be highlighted. A victory that gave joy and a renewed impetus, but also fatigue. For this reason, AC Milan will be correct to approach the game emphatically and try to break the deadlock fast and first. Going behind was a problem for the Diavolo, in the Derby, against Juve and Udinese, conversely against Cagliari and recently PSG, they turned it around. A good start could mean half the job is already done; you just have to take the game in January into consideration when Lecce’s strong start meant they took a two-goal advantage (it ended 2-2). Another source of encouragement for the Giallorossi, who haven’t managed to open the scoring on many occasions so far - it did just happen in Rome before Roma’s incredible injury-time comeback - but they are often able to respond after going down (1-1 Udinese, 1-1 Sassuolo, 2-1 Lazio). Overall, a high level of caution must be exercised throughout the entire game from the entire team, top to bottom, depending on how the momentum of the match swings.

A CLOSE EYE ON CHUKWUEZE AND STREFEZZA
AC Milan could not take Christian Pulisic, Lecce, Pontus Almqvist. Two very important forwards for their respective teams (second topscorer for their teams), both absent as a result of muscle issues. The focus, therefore, shifts to their alternatives, ready to take their place, likely Samuel Chukwueze and Gabriel Strefezza. They both occupy the same starting position: right wing. There is no shortage of characteristics in common between the two players, they both lack great height but are fast and technical. They both have the ability to score and assist, to take on a man 1vs1 or to support their teammates in the attack. It will depend on their motivation, their desire to shine is not lacking: Chukwueze has just recovered after a fairly low-key start, and Strefezza has less responsibility on his shoulders than last season.

LECCE CAUTIOUS, AC MILAN IMPENETRABLE AND… THE LOFTUS-CHEEK FACTOR
On a tactical level, the mirrored 4-3-3 formations will allow for quite natural and tried-and-tested movement and coverage. Few surprises, theoretically. It will depend on attitude. A cautious, compact Lecce, not passive but rather with a wait-and-see attitude can be expected. AC Milan will have the job of observing the Giallorossi out of possession, deciding how to best handle the ball depending on how much they are pressed. One thing is certain: making mistakes in build-up, exposing oneself too much and allowing the opposition to counter too much could cost the team dearly, as seen in previous matchups. The Rossoneri have an extra man to guarantee the scoreline remains positive: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has returned to the squad with aplomb. A short cameo in the league before a devastating performance in Europe: an ace up the sleeve in the crucial midfield area, making use of his strength, beating men with ease, creating numerical advantages and space for the team.

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