AC Milan Vs Lecce: Next Target, Consistency

AC MIlan is aiming for a third win against Lecce in Italian Serie A. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan successfully passed one of the tests by winning the Derby della Madonnina. However, Milan had to prove its consistency when hosting Lecce in the Italian Serie A competition continued at the San Siro Stadium, Saturday, September 28, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Milan Derby that relieves coach Paulo Fonseca. How not, he met at least the target of beating one city rivals, Inter Mian, 2-1.

The victory saved Fonseca from his dismissal. Previously, this former AS Roma coach had already been warned if he lost at Derby della Madonnina, then he would be dismissed.

Milan's poor performance in domestic competitions and then losing 3-1 against Liverpool in the Champions League made Fonseca's performance doubtful. There has even been a circulating figure of coach who will replace him, from Thomas Tuchel, Massimiliano Allegri to David Moyes.

The burden is definitely heavy for the Rossoneri because Inter act as the host. Not only that, the Nerazzurri are indeed on fire and are more favored because they have a very good record during the last six Derbys in Milano.

But goals from Christian Pulisic and Matteo Gabbia gave Milan a second win in the league. This is Milan's first win at the derby since January 2023.

This impressive achievement made Milan immediately shot up to seventh with eight points. Same as Inter but Milan still lost the goal difference.

But most notably, this result became an important asset when aiming for a third victory in the match against Lecce. Moreover, Milan played at home.

The chances of winning the three points are quite open if Milan shows consistency. If they appear consistent as when beating Inter, they can hope to improve the rankings.

"It is important for us to win over Inter. These three additional points are very valuable. But we obviously need consistency. We also focus on Friday's match [Saturday morning WIB]," Gabbia was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"Our interests have not changed. We will continue to work hard and try to give our best. That is what must be done. We want to go through this season in the best way possible. But it fully depends on us," he said again.

Lecce himself experienced a slump and only won once this season when he defeated Cagliari 1-0, last August. After that victory, they were only able to draw in two matches against Torino and Parma. Finally in Coppa Italia, Lecce was eliminated by Serie B team Sassuolo.

In the match against Lecce, Fonseca defended the front line duo of Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham. They received support from Rafael Leao and Pulisic. However, Fonseca is also considering rotating the players. The reason is, Milan will meet Bayer Leverkusen's tough opponent in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, pivotal midfielders are Tijani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana. In the back sector, Gabbia is again a starter to fortify goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Lecce coach Luca Gotti has again relied on goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone to stem Milan's attack. He was fortified by defender Andy Pelmard who replaced Frederic Gilbert for absence after receiving a red card in the match against Parma.

Former Milan Ante Rebic player will start. Together with Tete Morente, he will support Nikola Krstovic who plays the spearhead.