AC Milan vs Lecce
Italy – Serie A
Date: Sunday, 20 October 2019
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – San Siro.
TEAM NEWS
Build-up to the match has been dominated by what Pioli team selection might look like in his debut as Milan boss.
He will have his hand forced right back as Davide Calabria took a red card in the 2-1 win at Genoa before the international break, so Andrea Conti will start from there.
In terms of injuries, Mattia Caldara not yet fully fit after a cruciate ligament injury he suffered last season, but he is now training with the group.
There are conflicting reports about how the XI Milan will look, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Friday stated that Pioli Krzysztof Piatek is set to drop at all.
However, Sky Italia believes that Pioli will begin with Piatek as a center-forward, with Rafael Leao exit on the left.
One thing that does not seem to be set is the midfield, where Lucas Biglia will be regista, supported by Franck Kessie and Lucas Paqueta to the right and left respectively.
MILAN EXPECTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Conti, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Kessie, Biglia, Paqueta; Suso, Piatek, Leao.
STATS
Despite their initial poor, it must be said that Milan are the favorites against newcomers. On the other hand, two victories that Lecce have registered this season both came on the road, while the Rossoneri have lost their last two games at home. In other words, it should be a pretty interesting game.
Then again, Milan have a clear advantage if you look at each team, at least on paper. In addition, they have lost just two of their 30 Serie A meetings against Lecce, winning eight home meetings with the Via Del Mare. Of course, you could argue that the current situation is far more decisive than the H2H stats.
Taking a look at Stefano Pioli, he has won two, drawn two and lost two matches in his debut top-flight with a new club. Interestingly enough, two of these games have been against AC Milan (in charge of Lazio and Inter). Hopefully, he can add one more win to tally his debut.
Prediction
AC Milan sacked Marco Giampaolo and replaced by Stefano Pioli at the start of the international break. Milan have lost three of their last four league games and will hope to benefit from the new manager bounce here.
Lecce have lost five of their first seven league matches this season, despite their two victories both came on the road. They will have more opportunities to pick up points if Milan was led by Giampaolo but you have to support the home team here.
Prediction :
AC Milan 2: 0 Lecce
