After an uncharacteristic stumble, AC Milan traveled to the Salento region, seeking not just three points, but a definitive statement. What unfolded was a testament to pragmatic football, punctuated by moments of individual brilliance and the ever-present vigilance of VAR.
In a match that offered a stark contrast to Lecce`s renowned baroque architecture, AC Milan secured a disciplined 2-0 victory. This triumph, featuring goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic, provided a much-needed breath of fresh air for the Rossoneri following their opening defeat to Cremonese. Yet, the narrative of this encounter was far from simple, marked by two disallowed goals and a tactical approach best described as “Allegri distilled and compressed.”
The Gritty First Half: A Tactical Chess Match (or Standoff)
The opening forty-five minutes at the Stadio Via del Mare could generously be described as a tactical deadlock, or, less charitably, a spectacle of profound dullness. Both sides appeared cautious, their technical limitations occasionally glaring, and the pace of play decidedly low. Opportunities were sparse, setting a tone that left much to be desired for the neutral observer.
Milan, however, had an early moment of celebration curtailed by the unwavering vigilance of the Video Assistant Referee. Just four minutes in, defender Matteo Gabbia rose highest from a corner to head home. A classic set-piece goal, one might think, until VAR intervened, revealing a two-handed push by Gabbia. The goal was, correctly, chalked off. This early intervention set a precedent for a match where technology would play a significant role.
Second Half Surge: Goals and More VAR Intrigue
The interval seemed to galvanize Milan, who emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. The second half saw them transition from a defensive posture to a more assertive, counter-attacking unit. This shift was almost immediately evident when Santiago Gimenez found the net, elegantly controlling a vertical pass from Saelemaekers and striking with conviction. His celebration, dedicated to an injured teammate Jashari, was heartfelt but premature. The referee, once again guided by VAR, determined Gimenez was marginally offside. Milan’s pursuit of a valid goal was proving to be a true exercise in patience.
The breakthrough finally arrived, ironically, from a situation Milan had historically struggled with: the set-piece. A free-kick, earned after Gaspar fouled Saelemaekers, saw the legendary Luka Modric deliver a cross of exquisite precision. Rising to meet it, Ruben Loftus-Cheek headed powerfully past Lecce’s Falcone. A curious twist of fate saw Loftus-Cheek score just moments before a tactical reshuffle could have seen him depart for Pulisic – such is the razor-thin margin of footballing destiny.
The insurance goal came five minutes from time, an unconventional masterstroke initiated by goalkeeper Mike Maignan. His long clearance, after a midfield aerial duel, fortuitously became an assist for Christian Pulisic. The American international, facing Falcone one-on-one, made no mistake, securing his fifth career goal against Lecce and effectively sealing the match.
Milan`s Pragmatic Blueprint: The Allegri Influence
Under the stewardship of manager Massimiliano Allegri, or at least a tactical philosophy that echoes his famed pragmatism, Milan operated with distinct commandments: minimize risk, leverage individual quality, and be clinical in the final third. Lecce, often described as “assopito” (asleep), offered little resistance, managing only one significant attempt on target that required Maignan’s intervention. Milan`s defensive solidity was palpable, a welcome sight for supporters after past vulnerabilities.
The match also saw a glimpse into Milan’s future, with 2006-born talent Cheveyo Balentien making his senior debut. This move, a testament to the club`s evolving strategy, resonated with the palpable sense of hope emanating from the Rossoneri faithful. For one night, after a period of collective suffering, Milan smiled. The stadium echoed with chants, and banners waved, almost reminiscent of glory days. Yet, even in victory, the article hinted at lingering desires in the transfer market, particularly for a new defender to further fortify Allegri’s burgeoning, if occasionally unglamorous, tactical blueprint.
Murray Blackwood