AC Milan starting XI (3-5-2): Maignan, Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter, Saelemaekers (subbed for Athekame), Ricci (subbed for Loftus-Cheek), Jashari (subbed for Modric), Rabiot, Estupiñan, Pulisic (subbed for Füllkrug), Leao (subbed for Nkunku)

Bench: Terracciano, Torriani, Bartesaghi, Odogu, Pavlovic, Y. Fofana

Goals: Füllkrug 76’

Lecce starting XI (4-3-3): Falcone, Ndaba, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo (subbed for N'Dri), Gandelman, Ramadani (subbed for Maleh), Coulibaly, Sottil (subbed for Banda), Stulic (subbed for Morente), Pierotti

Bench: Fruchtl, Samooja, Jean, Kouassi, Pérez, M. Fofana, Helgason, Kaba, Marchwinski, Ngom, Sala

In a match where chances were at a premium, Milan’s persistence in attack paid off in the second half thanks to a decisive goal from Niclas Füllkrug after his introduction as a substitute.

The opening stages were marked by Milan dominance in possession, with the Rossoneri probing Lecce’s defence early on. Milan created several opportunities through dynamic interplay, but Lecce’s disciplined back line and goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone kept the score goalless at the break.

The visitors rarely threatened going forward, instead sitting deep and inviting pressure from their hosts.

The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute. Alexis Saelemaekers swung in a dangerous cross from the right, and Füllkrug, making a crucial impact just minutes after coming off the bench, headed finish beyond Falcone.

It was the striker’s first goal for Milan—a moment greeted with huge relief by the San Siro crowd and an important milestone for the German forward in his new club colours.

After taking the lead, Milan managed the game intelligently, reducing the space for Lecce’s attackers and frustrating their attempts to find an equaliser.

The win sees Milan sit second on the table after 21 matches, three points behind Inter and three ahead of Napoli.