THE ROSSONERI FIGHT BACK TO WIN IT IN LECCE
Serie A
A sensational comeback saw the Rossoneri get back to winning ways following three straight defeats. At the Via del Mare, AC Milan fell two goals behind against Lecce, but turned it around in the last half an hour to run out 3-2 winners. Christian Pulisic starred with a brace as he extended his collection to 14 goals this season. Leão, Abraham and João Félix also all made telling contributions off the bench. In the toughest moment for the team, the Rossoneri found the strength to fight back and avoid another poor start, which risked turning into their fourth disappointing result in a row.
Two goals disallowed in the first quarter of an hour, hitting the woodwork and a host of spurned chances; the first hour was a poor one, despite good flashes. Then came the turning point, albeit fortuitous: the Galo own-goal. Pulisic stood tall, winning the penalty and then converting the spot kick to draw AC Milan level and then turning home the winner from Rafa's cross. Well done, boys! Great spirit! This is a win that we can build on so that we finish the season on a high. Next Saturday, we host Como at San Siro at 18:00 CET.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM LECCE v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
50 seconds gone and the Rossoneri had the ball in the net through Santi Gimenez, assisted by Theo, but the goal was ruled out as the Mexican was in an offside position. From one goal to the other, this time it was Lecce, who scored through Krstović, shooting from the edge of the box to give the Giallorossi the lead. We had an immediate reaction with Musah first having a shot saved by Falcone and then with a move copy and pasted from the earlier overturned goal: Theo for Santi and the number 7’s touch went just wide. In the 15th minute, the Rossoneri had another goal chalked off: Theo to Gabbia who was ready at the front post to poke it home but Doveri ruled this one out too. Krstović hit the bar for the hosts who went close to scoring with Pierotti’s shot just wide from a good position. Two chances came for Santi to close out the half: header on a cross from Pulisic in the 40th minute and with his heel on an assist from Musah just a minute later, but Falcone denied him both times.
The second half started with Leão coming on for Alex Jiménez, whilst Santi proved dangerous again in the 53rd minute with a move in the box and his shot ending up bouncing off the post. In the 59th minute, however, came Lecce’s second goal, again Krstović who finished off a good move with a turn on the edge of the box. The Rossoneri reaction, even after this blow, was immediate and led to a goal: Leão’s cross, imprecise shot from João Félix (who entered the pitch five minute earlier) and the ball was deflected into the net by Gallo. We were back in the game and went level in the 73rd minute as Pulisic won and coolly converted a penalty. The game was in our hands at 2-2 and there was great potential up front, bringing us to the well-deserved 3-2: Leão down the left crossed from the back post to Pulisic who fired home. Not much to handle in the final moments, we were back to winning ways!
MATCH DETAILS
LECCE 2-3 AC MILAN
LECCE (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Coulibaly (82' Banda), Berisha (56' Pierret), Helgason (74' Ramadani); Pierotti (74' Veiga), Krstović, Morente (82' Rebić). Subs: Früchtl, Samooja; Gaspar, Sala, Tiago Gabriel; Kaba, Rafia; Burnete, Karlsson, N'Dri. Coach: Giampaolo.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Sportiello; Walker (75' Fofana), Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernández; Bondo (62' João Félix), Musah (75' Sottil); Pulisic, Reijnders, Jiménez (46' Leão); Gimenez (62' Abraham). Subs: Nava, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Terracciano, Tomori; Chukwueze, Jović. Coach: Conceição.
Referee: Doveri from Roma.
Goals: 7' and 59' Krstović (L), 68' o.g. Gallo (M), 73' pen. and 81' Pulisic (M).
Booked: 42' Berisha (L), 45+4' Conceição (M), 88' Abraham (M), 90'+1 Krstović (L).
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