In a stunning display of dominance, AC Milan crushed Lecce 3-0 in the second round of the Coppa Italia, showcasing their prowess in front of an electrified San Siro crowd. The match, however, turned dramatically after just 18 minutes when Lecce’s Jamil Siebert received a red card, leaving his team fighting an uphill battle against a relentless Milan side determined to capitalize on their advantage.
As the action unfolded, it was Santiago Gimenez who ignited the scoring for Milan, netting the first goal shortly after the red card. The energy in the stadium surged as the fans celebrated his strike, which set the tone for a night filled with attacking flair and clinical finishing. Christopher Nkunku and the ever-reliable Christian Pulisic followed suit, sealing Lecce’s fate as they succumbed to the relentless assault from the Rossoneri.
In terms of player performances, Adrien Rabiot emerged as Milan’s standout star, earning a commendable rating of 7.5. His influence on the pitch was palpable, as he orchestrated play with finesse and aggression. Rabiot’s efforts were nearly rewarded with a goal of his own, as he struck the crossbar in the first half, a testament to his offensive capabilities. His experience and skill shone brightly, proving that his transfer from Marseille was a masterstroke by coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Speaking of the managerial front, Allegri’s absence due to suspension did not hinder Milan’s performance, with assistant coach Landucci stepping in. His tactical acumen was evident as Milan dominated early on, creating multiple chances within the first ten minutes. The team’s relentless pursuit of goals continued into the second half, where they were unfortunate not to increase their tally further, striking the woodwork three additional times.
On the opposing side, Lecce’s goalkeeper, Fruchtl, received a nod for his valiant efforts, earning a 6.5 rating despite the scoreline. The former Bayern Munich player faced an onslaught of ten shots on target and made several impressive saves to prevent a more humiliating defeat. His performance was a silver lining in an otherwise bleak outing for Lecce, who struggled to find any rhythm after the early red card.
Lecce’s coach, Di Francesco, faced an almost insurmountable challenge following Siebert’s dismissal. The tactical adjustments he attempted were insufficient to counteract the immediate impact of the red card, which effectively shifted the momentum entirely in Milan’s favor. It was a night filled with disappointment for him and his squad, who now must regroup and look ahead after a match that highlighted a stark contrast in quality between the two sides.
As the dust settles on this emphatic victory, Milan’s confidence will undoubtedly soar, while Lecce must confront the reality of their struggles in a top-tier competition. The Rossoneri’s performance not only secures their place in the Coppa Italia but also sends a clear message to their rivals: Milan is a force to be reckoned with this season.