Allegri’s men earn their first three points of the season thanks to second-half goals from Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic. Modric delivers the perfect free kick for the opener, while Falcone shines for Lecce.
After being held in their Serie A opener, AC Milan claimed their first victory of the campaign with a 2-0 win away at Lecce. The match was decided in the second half: Loftus-Cheek broke the deadlock from a Modric free kick, and substitute Pulisic sealed the result with his trademark decisiveness despite lingering ankle issues.
Milan thought they had the lead just four minutes in when Gabbia headed home from a Modric corner, but VAR intervened to annul the goal for a foul on Coulibaly. The Rossoneri struggled to move the ball quickly but still created chances, with Loftus-Cheek and Gimenez both denied by a sharp Falcone. Lecce came close before halftime as Kaba curled just wide.
The pattern continued after the break. Gimenez briefly thought he’d scored in the 60th minute, only for VAR to again rule it out for offside. Six minutes later, Milan finally struck: Modric curled in a pinpoint free kick and Loftus-Cheek powered home to make it 1-0. Soon after, Pulisic came off the bench and doubled the lead, once again proving decisive for Allegri’s side. Late on, young Dutch forward Balentien made his Serie A debut.
Milan leave Lecce with three important points and renewed confidence, while the hosts can take pride in another strong showing from goalkeeper Falcone.
Match Report
Scorers: 66’ Loftus-Cheek (M), 86’ Pulisic (M).
LECCE (4-3-3): Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani (81’ Helgason), Kaba (63’ Sottil); Pierotti (63’ Berisha), Camarda (46’ Stulic), Morente (81’ N’Dri).
Coach: Di Francesco.
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Musah, Loftus-Cheek (76’ Ricci), Modric, Fofana, Estupinan; Saelemaekers (76’ Pulisic), Gimenez (88’ Balentien).
Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Marinelli.
Booked: Gaspar (L).
Sent off: None.
