Serie A Preview: AC Milan May Be Distracted by Tough Upcoming Matches While Lecce Aims to Break Year-Long Winless Curse

On September 28 at 2:45, the 6th round of the 2024/25 Serie A season will see AC Milan host Lecce at home.

AC Milan currently sits in 7th place in Serie A with 8 points from 5 matches. After losing six consecutive derbies, AC Milan finally achieved a much-needed victory. Gabbia’s last-minute goal temporarily secured Fonseca’s position and provided the team with a rare breather after their worst league start since 2018 and a crushing defeat against Liverpool in the first round of the Champions League.

It is too early to say that Fonseca’s position has become stable. Milan needs to build on the derby win, as tough tests lie ahead — after facing Lecce, Milan will face Leverkusen and Fiorentina away in the Champions League and Serie A respectively. As Fonseca said at the press conference: “If we cannot beat Lecce, the derby victory would be meaningless.”

A piece of good news for Milan is that Lecce is a favorable opponent for them. Lecce’s last victory over AC Milan dates back to April 2006, with Milan winning 7 and drawing 5 in the subsequent 12 encounters.

Lecce currently ranks 17th in the league with 5 points from 5 matches, only one point above Venice in the relegation zone. After two consecutive losses at the start of the Serie A season, Lecce defeated Cagliari and drew with Torino and Parma, showing some improvement. In the midweek Coppa Italia, Lecce predictably lost 0-2 at home to Sassuolo, confirming that avoiding relegation remains their top priority this season.

To achieve better results in the league, Lecce replaced their manager even after successfully avoiding relegation last season. New coach Gotti overhauled the squad in the summer, raising €30 million from player sales, including Pongracic joining Fiorentina for €15 million, Gentiletti joining Hoffenheim for €8.5 million, and Strefezza joining Como for €5 million. They also signed players like Machivinskyi and Koulibaly, with seven free transfers.

In terms of injuries and suspensions, AC Milan’s Bennacer and Florenzi are out due to ankle and ACL injuries, while captain Calabria is doubtful due to muscle strain. Fonseca’s switch to a two-striker formation paid off in the derby, with Morata and Abraham supported by Leao and Pulisic. Lecce made some rotations in the midweek Coppa Italia, but Gotti will still be without the suspended Gilbert, injured Cabah and Berisha.

The outcome of this match seems predictable, but the tactical battle between Fonseca and Gotti is worth watching. Can Lecce take advantage of Milan’s distractions from upcoming tough fixtures to turn around their historical disadvantage?

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