AC Milan's 3-0 Rout Over Lecce Sets Up Lazio Clash in Coppa Italia
Match Overview
On September 23, 2025, the San Siro turned into a stage for a straightforward showpiece by AC Milan. The Rossoneri walked into the Coppa Italia round‑of‑32 match against Lecce with a clear game plan and, after an early sending‑off, they never looked back. Jamil Siebert’s red card in the 18th minute left the southern side with ten men, and Milan took advantage in record time.
Two minutes later, Santiago Giménez slotted the opener. The Argentinian striker found space on the left, cut inside and, with a low strike, beat Lecce keeper Christian Früchtl. The goal came just before the half‑hour mark and set the tone for the rest of the first half.
Coach Stefano Landucci, who took charge after the suspension of former boss Antonio Allegri, stuck to a 3‑5‑2 shape. The back three of Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlović stayed compact, while wing‑backs pushed high, feeding the midfield trio of Alexis Saelemaekers, Ruben Loftus‑Cheek and Adrien Rabiot. The midfield domination allowed Christopher Nkunku to find room on the edge of the box, and his 51st‑minute finish doubled the lead.
In the second half, Lecce tried to regroup, but the numerical disadvantage and Milan’s relentless pressing made any comeback impossible. Christian Pulisic, fresh off a season of good form, arrived late from the bench and, after a quick one‑two with Giménez, tucked a third away in the 64th minute. The final whistle confirmed a 3‑0 victory, a clean sheet for Mike Maignan and a commanding display for the hosts.
Implications and Next Steps
The win propels Milan into the Coppa Italia round of 16, where they will face Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Both clubs are looking to add silverware to their season’s trophy cabinet, and the tie promises a tactical battle between two experienced Italian sides.
Statistically, Milan’s record against Lecce is impressive: 9 wins and 4 draws in the last 13 meetings, with no defeats. The result also continues a recent surge in form for the Rossoneri, who have logged three straight victories across all competitions. Injuries still loom, though, as Rafael Leão and Ardon Jashari remain sidelined, limiting Antonio’s attacking options.
Lecce, on the other hand, head back to the Serie B table with three consecutive losses. Coach Francesco Di Francesco will have to reassess his squad after the dismissal of Siebert and the defensive frailties that were exposed. The team will also miss Balthazar Pierret, Filip Marchwinski and Gaby Jean, who were unavailable for the fixture.
For Milan, the next few weeks will be a balancing act. Serie A fixtures pile up, and the club must manage fatigue while keeping the Coppa Italia momentum alive. Landucci’s job is now under the spotlight—can he guide the team past a Lazio side that thrives on set‑pieces and disciplined defending? The answer will likely come in the next match, but the confidence gained from a 3‑0 triumph will certainly help.
Off the pitch, referee Paride Tremolada from Monza handled the game without controversy, aside from the early red card that changed the match’s dynamics. Fans left San Siro chanting the iconic red and black, optimistic that this win is a stepping stone toward a deeper cup run and possibly a domestic double.
