AC Milan clinched their first win of the Serie A season, defeating Lecce 2-0 thanks to goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic. The match saw early VAR controversies, with goals from Matteo Gabbia and Santiago Gimenez disallowed. Loftus-Cheek broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a header from a Luka Modric free-kick. Substitute Pulisic sealed the victory, capitalizing on a defensive error. Modric set a Serie A record as the oldest midfielder to provide an assist. Lecce’s struggles continue as they remain scoreless this season.
AC Milan secured their first victory of the 2025-26 Serie A campaign with a commanding 2-0 win against Lecce, orchestrated by goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic. The match, held at Lecce's Via del Mare stadium, saw Milan overcome early setbacks and VAR controversies to deliver a convincing performance.
Milan's season had begun with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Cremonese, placing pressure on Massimiliano Allegri in his return to the helm. This win against Lecce marked Allegri's first league victory since his re-appointment, providing a significant boost to the team's morale and ambitions for the season.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. In the sixth minute, Matteo Gabbia appeared to have given Milan an early lead with a powerful header. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, ruling the goal out due to a foul committed inside the penalty area during the build-up. The decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning the consistency of VAR interpretations.
Controversy struck again just after the hour mark when Santiago Gimenez, another of Milan's attacking threats, found the back of the net with a well-placed finish. Once again, VAR stepped in, this time adjudging Gimenez to be offside, nullifying what seemed to be the opening goal. The repeated interventions of VAR added an element of tension and frustration to Milan's quest for a breakthrough.
Despite the setbacks, Milan persisted, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 66th minute. Ruben Loftus-Cheek rose majestically to meet a teasing free-kick delivered by Luka Modric, heading the ball powerfully beyond the reach of Lecce's goalkeeper, Wladimiro Falcone. The goal marked Loftus-Cheek's first for the club since March 2024 and ignited celebrations among the Milan faithful.
A significant talking point before the match was Christian Pulisic's placement on the substitutes' bench. Many expected the United States international to feature from the start, given his impressive pre-season form. However, Allegri's decision to introduce Pulisic as a substitute proved to be a masterstroke. Pulisic entered the fray with intent and quickly made his mark on the game.
Just nine minutes after his introduction, Pulisic sealed the victory for Milan. Capitalizing on a defensive error by Lecce, he pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a precise left-footed shot from inside the penalty area, leaving Falcone with no chance. Pulisic's goal not only secured all three points for Milan but also showcased his ability to make an immediate impact, solidifying his importance to the team.
Luka Modric's influence on the game cannot be overstated. The veteran midfielder, who joined Milan from Real Madrid, demonstrated that age is no barrier to excellence. At 39 years and 354 days, Modric became the oldest midfielder in Serie A history to provide an assist since Opta began recording such data in the 2004-05 season. His vision, passing range, and experience were instrumental in Milan's victory.
Loftus-Cheek's goal was not only his first for Milan in quite some time, but it also marked his 50th league appearance. Among English players, only Fikayo Tomori, with 131 appearances, has played more games for the Rossoneri since the introduction of three points for a win in 1994. This statistic highlights the growing presence and contribution of English players to AC Milan's squad.
For Lecce, the defeat compounded their struggles in front of goal. They are yet to score in Serie A this season, and this is the first time since February 2024 that they have gone consecutive matches without finding the net. Their dismal run has now stretched to four league games, raising concerns about their attacking prowess and overall form.
Milan's victory over Lecce was a significant step forward in their quest to challenge for the Serie A title. The blend of experience, youth, and tactical acumen displayed by Allegri's side suggests that they are well-equipped to compete with the league's top teams. As the season progresses, Milan will look to build on this momentum and establish themselves as serious contenders.
First three points of the campaign
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 29, 2025