Milan-Lecce Preview: Galliani’s Revenge

Milan have been through a lot the past ten years, and there never seems to be a dull moment. Despite trying to move forward, it seems like we just can’t escape our past. Specifically, Galliani. This week, we face off against two of Galliani’s marquee signings in goalkeeper Gabriel and striker Gianluca Lapadula. Nothing is worse than facing off against some of Galliani’s finest. And this coming after one of his biggest young signings ever, Hachim Mastour, joined ol’ Yellow Tie in Serie C, signing for Reggiana this week, too. It just never stops. And this match could just be Galliani’s revenge.

38 saves in seven games, and he's conceded 15 - both more than Gigio

Ahead of the international break, Lecce lost 3-1 away to Atalanta. That left them in the relegation zone, in 18th place, with only six points. For that match, Liverani lined up Gabriel; Rispoli, Lucioni, Rossettini, Calderoni; Petriccione, Imbula, Majer; Mancosu; Falco, and La Mantia. The newly promoted side may be without Majer and Imbula, who are both in doubt due to fitness concerns as of this writing. But they have the power of the Milan exes. Gabriel, for example, has made 38 saves, more than twice as many as Gigio. And Lapadula has only made four starts and a substitution, but has clearly been saving all of his goals for Milan.

Galliani's platinum signing is saving all of his goals for us

Milan have a brand new signing in Pioli. Whereas his predecessor, Giampaolo, insisted on his player playing with their heads up, Pioli specifically said in his initial press conference that whether their heads were up or down, they would win. I feel like those are good tactics, personally. Especially that winning part.

It won’t be easy. Although Milan got away with a very unconvincing win away to Genoa before the break, there has been much discussed about Milan since then, and little of it positive. The guys look happy in training, but if they have been paying attention to the media meltdown over Milan’s finances, it could impact their mentality. As of this writing, Pioli should have a full squad to choose from, although Caldara is still unlikely to play, even if he has been back in training for about ten days. Castillejo and Calabria are both suspended for this match, so good and bad news there, too.

Milan's new signing's got game

Much has been discussed about what Pioli might do differently to change the mentality and get better results this past two weeks. But what people really should be talking about is Galliani’s gem signings in Gabriel and Lapadula, and how this newer, better, and cheaper Milan side can possibly beat them. After all, this one is definitely Galliani’s revenge.

This post inspired by the music of She Wants Revenge’s “Tear You Apart”

Serie A Week 8

Milan vs. Lecce

Sunday, October 20 • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.