Christian Pulisic delivered the decisive blow, Santiago Gimenez noticed one other probability slip away, and Milan lastly collected their first win of the Serie A season. A 2-0 triumph away at Lecce eased the early pressure round Massimiliano Allegri’s squad. But the night time was not with out controversy. Regardless of the three factors and Pulisic’s late strike, Milan left Through Del Mare with extra than simply aid—additionally they carried the burden of a monetary penalty, the results of a well-recognized mistake that continues to hang-out the membership.
The Rossoneri entered the conflict underneath strain after a disappointing opening defeat to Cremonese. With the squad depleted—Rafael Leao, Ardon Jashari, and Pulisic all initially sidelined—Allegri had no room for excuses. They wanted a win earlier than the worldwide break, and that urgency confirmed in flashes from the very first whistle.
Matteo Gabbia appeared to have given the guests the dream begin with a fourth-minute header, just for VAR to intervene and rule it out. Later, Santiago Gimenez thought he had lastly discovered the breakthrough, however his purpose was additionally chalked off for offside.
The impasse wasn’t damaged till the 66th minute, when Luka Modrić delivered a pinpoint in-swinging ball that Ruben Loftus-Cheek rose highest to nod dwelling. Aid swept throughout the Milan bench, and Pulisic—introduced on within the second half—ensured the end result ten minutes from time. A intelligent run, sharp positioning, and a peaceful end sealed a much-needed victory.
Pulisic’s impression and Gimenez’s struggles
For Pulisic, the night time was a reminder of his rising significance to Milan. After an underwhelming show towards Cremonese and a minor knock that saved him on the bench at Lecce, the American confirmed his trademark intelligence. He could lack the aptitude of Rafael Leao, however his knack for locating decisive moments stays invaluable.
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The alternative will be stated for Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker endured one other troublesome outing, scuffling with first touches and composure in entrance of purpose. His disallowed effort apart, he squandered a golden probability in a one-on-one, dragging the ball vast. Two matches into the season, his kind search continues.
The rule break that value Milan
However the true speaking level past the targets got here not from the gamers, however from the sidelines. In the beginning of the second half, Allegri’s depth boiled over. In his willpower to difficulty detailed tactical directions, he held up the restart of the match.
By the point the Rossoneri emerged from the tunnel, Lecce’s gamers had been already lined up and ready. The referee famous the “unjustified delay of the beginning of the second half by three minutes”, and Serie A’s Sports activities Court docket responded with a advantageous. The punishment? Round $4,600, a minor sum for a membership of Milan’s measurement, however a warning signal nonetheless.
This isn’t the primary time the group has been penalized for delays. Even final season underneath Sergio Conceicao, the Rossoneri developed a fame for returning late after halftime. Whereas $4,600 gained’t dent the membership’s funds, the sample of unprofessionalism dangers creating distractions in key fixtures.
