Milan edge Lecce: Fullkrug’s first goal and three points behind Inter

Milan secured an important home victory over Lecce with a 1–0 win in the latest round of the Italian Serie A. The only and decisive goal came in the second half, allowing Massimiliano Allegri’s side to reduce the gap to league leaders Inter to three points and extend their advantage over fifth place to seven points.

The outcome of the match was decided in the 76th minute. Alexis Saelemaekers delivered an accurate cross from the flank, and Niklas Fullkrug won the aerial duel to head the ball past Vladan Falcone. It was the German striker’s first goal of the current Serie A season.

Overall, the match was tightly contested. Lecce, coached by Eusebio Di Francesco, defended compactly and looked to respond with quick counter-attacks, but solid defending from the Rossoneri and confident goalkeeping by Mike Maignan prevented the visitors from scoring.

The victory strengthened Milan’s position near the top of the table. Allegri’s team remain firmly in the title race, closing in on Inter, while also feeling more secure in the battle for a Champions League spot, having pulled clear of fifth-placed Juventus.

Milan — Lecce — 1:0
Goal: Fullkrug, 76 (assist — Saelemaekers).

Line-ups

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers (Atekhame, 80), Ricci, Jashari, Rabiot, Estupiñán; Pulisic, Leão.
Head coach: Massimiliano Allegri.

Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Ndaba, Siebert, Thiago Gabriel, Gallo (N’Dri, 85); Gandelman, Ramadani (Maleh, 85), Koulibaly; Sottil (Banda, 54), Stulić (Tete Morente, 69), Pierotti.
Head coach: Eusebio Di Francesco.

Referee: Luca Zufferli (Udine).