Lecce Vs. AC Milan Prediction: Rossoneri Determined To End Bad Trends In Serie A

Rafael Leao, struggling to bring AC Milan into the European zone (photo: x @RafaeLeao7)

JAKARTA - AC Milan will try to stop their streak of three consecutive defeats when they travel to Lecce's headquarters, Stadio Via del Mare, on Saturday night 8 March. The Rossoneri, who are now slumped to ninth in Serie A, must rise immediately in order to keep their chances of qualifying for European competition next season. Meanwhile, Lecce, who is struggling to avoid relegation, also needs points to stay away from the red zone.

AC Milan are currently in crisis after failing to win in their last four matches in all competitions. Under Sergio Conceicao, who was just appointed last December, the Rossoneri suffered a crushing blow by being knocked out of the Champions League by Feyenoord and swallowing three consecutive defeats in Serie A against Torino (1-2), Bologna (1-2), and Lazio (1-2).

Lazio's latest defeat came in a painful way. After playing with 10 people since the 65th minute due to Strahinja Pavlovic's red card, Milan had equalized through Samuel Chukwueze. However, Pedro's 98th minute penalty sent them home without points.

Apart from poor performance, Milan also has disciplinary problems. Since early 2025, they have received four red cards, including what Theo Hernandez got against Feyenoord. Currently, Milan is 11 points behind Juventus who are in fourth place, and if they don't get up immediately, their chances of playing in Europe next season could be thinner.

On the other hand, Lecce is also in a negative trend. Marco Giampaolo's side have only picked up two points from their last four games, with a goalless draw against Bologna and Monza, before losing 0-1 to Udinese and Fiorentina. Lecce is currently only three points ahead of the relegation zone and is the team with the worst attack in Serie A, scoring only 19 goals throughout the season.

Nikola Krstovic is in the spotlight because despite having more than 100 attempted shots this season, he has scored only seven goals. Interestingly, the Montenegro striker is reportedly one of Milan's targets in the transfer market next summer.

The history of the meeting of the two teams is more in favor of Milan. Of the 37 meetings in Serie A, the Rossoneri won 22 times and only lost twice to Lecce. The last time Lecce beat Milan at home was in April 2006, almost 19 years ago.

AC Milan had to make two major changes in the back line as Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic had to undergo suspension. Marco Sportiello will replace Maignan under the crossbar, while Fikayo Tomori or Malick Thiaw will most likely fill Pavlovic's position at the heart of defense with Mattia Bani.

In midfield, Milan still lost Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alessandro Florenzi, and Emerson Royal due to injury. However, Kyle Walker, who recently returned from injury, has the opportunity to appear as a starter after entering as a substitute against Lazio.

Meanwhile, Lecce only lost Filip Marchwinski who suffered a long-term injury. Nikola Krstovic, who had suffered a minor injury last week, is thought to have recovered and is ready to play, as well as Thorir Badminton, who had just recovered from illness.

The former Milan player, Ante Rebic, is also one of the options in Lecce's attack. He will compete with Santiago Pierotti to accompany Krstovic on the front lines.

Milan will play with great pressure to end their streak of poor results. With the absence of Maignan and Pavlovic, the Rossoneri defense must be more disciplined so as not to miss out in the final minutes.

Lecce, on the other hand, will rely on a quick counter-attack and hopes Nikola Krstovic can take advantage of the better chances than he has shown so far this season.

If Milan are able to control the game and Rafael Leao returns to his best, the Rossoneri have a great chance to take home the three points from Via del Mare.

Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean,men; Pierret, Coulibaly; Pierotti, Marijuson, Morente; Krstovic

AC Milan (4-2-3-1):Sportiello; Walker, Tomori, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Felix, Leao; Gimenez

Score Prediction: Lecce 0-2 AC Mila