AC Milan will look to maintain their winning momentum as they host Lecce at San Siro on Friday evening in Serie A. Coming off a morale-boosting victory over city rivals Inter Milan, Paulo Fonseca’s side aims for their third consecutive league win.
Milan’s 2-1 triumph in the Derby della Madonnina last Sunday eased the pressure on Fonseca after a shaky start to the season. The Rossoneri now sit sixth in the Serie A table with eight points from five matches. Their opponents, Lecce, are winless since August and suffered a midweek Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Serie B side Sassuolo.
Milan hold a strong historical advantage over Lecce, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 league encounters. The Salentini’s last top-flight victory against Milan dates back to April 2006, with the Rossoneri outscoring them 29-12 since then.
Team News
For Milan, Paulo Fonseca faces some selection dilemmas. The success of the Morata-Abraham partnership in the derby may influence his formation choice. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are likely to feature, though rotation is possible with a Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen looming. Injuries rule out Marco Sportiello, Ismael Bennacer, and Alessandro Florenzi, while captain Davide Calabria is doubtful.
Lecce manager Luca Gotti is expected to recall key players Federico Baschirotto and Nikola Krstovic after resting them in the cup tie. Former Milan forward Ante Rebic could also start for the visitors. Frederic Guilbert is suspended, likely leading to Andy Pelmard’s inclusion in the starting lineup.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Morata, Leao; Abraham
Lecce:Falcone; Pelmard, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly; Dorgu, Rebic, Morente; Krstovic
Match Prediction
Given Milan’s recent form, home advantage, and historical dominance in this fixture, they are strong favorites. Lecce’s struggles and Milan’s attacking firepower suggest a comfortable win for the Rossoneri.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Lecce
