AC Milan enjoys playing against Lecce at San Siro, as the Rossoneri demonstrated in the opening match of the sixth round of Serie A. The team from southern Italy hasn’t celebrated a victory as visitors since 1997, and that trend continued this season, as Paulo Fonseca’s squad secured a comfortable 3-0 win, building on their recent victory in the Milan derby against Inter. After the first three matches, Milan had just two points, but they managed to bounce back and string together three consecutive wins. Tonight’s victory brought them level on points at the top of the table with Torino, but due to their superior goal difference (14:7), the red-and-black side will spend the night as the leaders of the Italian championship.With a five-minute blitz at the end of the first half, the Rossoneri evoked memories of their championship days from the 2021/2022 season, particularly through the efforts of a lively Rafael Leão. In the 41st minute, Leão delivered a fantastic pass to Theo Hernández, who unleashed a rocket under the crossbar of Falcone’s goal. It was the French international’s 29th goal in a Milan shirt, equaling the legendary Paolo Maldini as the defender with the most goals in the club’s illustrious history.Earlier, Álvaro Morata rose highest to meet a cross from Hernández, scoring Milan’s second goal, while the third was crafted by Christian Pulisic after Morata stole the ball and a chaotic series of deflections from two attempts by Tammy Abraham. Lecce’s situation worsened with the sending off of Davide Bartezaghi in the 80th minute. The 18-year-old defender had been on the field for just five minutes before making a reckless and harsh tackle on Banda, earning a deserved straight red card. Despite the numerical advantage, Lecce’s players were unable to capitalize or even score a consolation goal. Milan also hit the frame of the goal when Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s cross glanced off the crossbar. It was the only noteworthy moment in front of Lecce’s goal in the second half. Milan’s climb to the top of Serie A and their three consecutive league victories provide a much-needed boost ahead of their trip to Leverkusen next Tuesday. Fonseca seems to have found common ground with his team, quieting the rumors of his potential dismissal. Now, Milan will look for their first points in the Champions League following their 3-1 loss to Liverpool at San Siro.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 6FridayAC Milan – Lecce 3-0 (3-0)/Morata 36, Hernandez 41, Pulišić 43/Saturday16:00: (6.75) Udinese (4.20) Inter (1.57)19:00: (5.60) Genoa (3.60) Juventus (1.75)21:45: (3.00) Bologna (3.45) Atalanta (2.50)Sunday13:30: (2.85) Torino (3.15) Lazio (2.60)16:00: (1.45) Roma (4.40) Venezia (7.25)16:00: (2.15) Como (3.45) Verona (3.70)19:00: (3.40) Empoli (3.35) Fiorentina (2.30)21:45: (1.38) Napoli (4.70) Monza (8.50)Monday21:45: (2.15) Parma (3.50) Cagliari (3.60)***odds are subject to change***
