AC Milan Host Struggling Lecce in Serie A Title Push

As the Serie A season heats up, AC Milan are looking to cement their position in the title chase when they host struggling Lecce at the legendary Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this Sunday evening. For the Rossoneri, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity to apply maximum pressure on their Scudetto rivals, while Lecce desperately seeks vital points to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.

Milan's Resilience Fuels Title Ambitions

AC Milan are riding a wave of momentum, exemplified by their recent dramatic comeback victories. Following their participation in the Supercoppa Italiana, Milan returned to domestic action with a challenging fixture against Lombardy rivals Como. Despite falling behind early, a stunning save from goalkeeper Mike Maignan seemed to galvanize the team. Although they conceded significant possession and faced 18 shots, Milan’s efficiency on the counter-attack proved decisive. Goals from Christopher Nkunku (via penalty) and a brace from Adrien Rabiot secured a hard-fought win.

This latest result highlights a remarkable characteristic of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad this season: their ability to salvage points from losing positions. Milan have impressively accumulated 13 points after going behind in matches—a league-high tally in Serie A. This resilience has kept their Scudetto hopes firmly alive and extended an impressive unbeaten run across the league, stretching back to the opening matchday of the campaign.

Chasing Capello's Record

The current unbeaten streak is approaching historic levels for the club. Milan are now targeting a total of 23 consecutive league games without defeat, a benchmark set back during Fabio Capello's dominant 1992-93 season. While history favors them against Sunday's opponents—Milan have won 15 of their 19 previous home encounters against Lecce—Allegri will be wary of complacency, having dropped points against lesser sides earlier in the season.

Lecce's Survival Struggle Continues

For Lecce, the trip to Milan represents a daunting challenge. Known as the Salentini, Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are navigating a perilous scrap for survival. Their recent form has been bleak, marked by a defeat to Inter Milan in midweek and a prior loss to relegation rivals Parma, a match where they were reduced to nine men.

In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Lecce fell 2-0 to Milan. Historically, their record against the Rossoneri is dire; they have managed only one win in their last 28 league meetings, a victory that dates back nearly two decades. This season, Lecce's primary issue lies in attack. After another goalless outing against Inter, they currently occupy the bottom spot in Serie A’s goals scored chart. Their defensive defiance, which kept them in the game against Inter until the 77th minute, will be severely tested again.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

AC Milan Injury Update

Milan faces a few personnel concerns. Defender Strahinja Pavlovic remains sidelined as he recovers from a significant head injury sustained last weekend. Koni De Winter is expected to deputize in central defense again. Aside from striker Santiago Gimenez, who is also unavailable, Allegri has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal. Christian Pulisic is expected to feature prominently, potentially alongside Rafael Leao or recent addition Niclas Fullkrug. Notably, Christopher Nkunku has been in fine form, contributing to five goals in his last four league appearances.

Lecce's Suspension Woes

Lecce faces a more significant blow to their defensive structure. Key defenders Danilo Veiga and Kialonda Gaspar are both suspended for the fixture. Furthermore, Milan loanee Francesco Camarda, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue, will miss the reunion with his parent club. On a positive note, Eusebio Di Francesco welcomes back Lameck Banda and midfield anchor Ylber Ramadani following one-match bans. Medon Berisha joins Camarda on the injury list.

Projected Starting XIs:

AC Milan possible starting lineup: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao

Lecce possible starting lineup: Falcone; Kouassi, Gabriel, Siebert, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Gandelman, Sottil; Stulic

Prediction: Milan's Quality Should Prevail

While AC Milan has shown a tendency to draw against teams in the lower reaches of the table recently—four draws in their last five against bottom-five sides—the circumstances strongly favor the Rossoneri this time. Lecce’s tactical setup looked brittle against Inter, and the suspensions to their defense will likely create openings. Wladimiro Falcone, Lecce’s ever-present goalkeeper, is anticipated to have a very busy night trying to contain Milan’s potent attack. We project Milan will secure a comfortable victory to maintain their pressure at the top.

Our Verdict: AC Milan 3-0 Lecce