Yes, I know we just played Lecce, but that was in Serie A. This is the Coppa Italia. And Lecce are here after eliminating Abate's Serie B side, Juve Stabia in the first round. However, in Serie A, Lecce are bottom of the table after four rounds, while Milan miraculously sit in third. Given that we uncomfortably defeated Lecce 2-0 last month, and our respective positions on the table, this one may seem like a foregone conclusion. However, anything can happen in 90 minutes, and stranger things have been known to happen. Lecce could knock Milan out if we are not careful. Never say never.
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| After being presented ahead of the first Coppa match, how many of our new players start in this one? |
Di Francesco has the team with the youngest average age in Serie A, including Milan's own on-loan Camarda, and thus far, Lecce have suffered for their inexperience. Camarda himself has two assists in two starts and three substitute appearances, but has yet to score. After some relatively positive friendlies and the Coppa Italia win, their goalless draw vs. Genoa in week one gave them their only point in Serie A.
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| Camarda may be a little wary if he sees time vs. Milan after his head injury last time. |
Most recently, on Friday, Lecce lost 2-1 at home vs. Cagliari. For that match, Di Francesco lined up a 4-3-3 with Falcone; Kouassi, Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Lassana Coulibaly, Ramadani, Sala; Pierotti, Stulić, and our Milan-loanee last year, Sottil. (Yes, Camarda did come on in the 73rd minute... Lecce wants that cash from Milan.) Di Franceso is still missing Gaby Jean and Marchwinski to injury, but also Pierret. Hopefully, we don't break Camarda again.
This match marks the third match in six that Allegri will be missing due to suspension. Let's hope the desks and the people around him survive this one. And also, that he keeps his clothes on. However, as I pointed out after Saturday's match, that may be beneficial for Milan, as we have had our best performances this year without him screaming and gesticulating on the sidelines like a madman.
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| Many fans have been wanting Ricci to start, will this be his chance? |
There is good news in that Maignan is back from his injury. However, whether or not he starts vs. Lecce is still apparently up in the air. Leão is still not fully fit, and Jashari is obviously still out injured. But there are reports that there will be some rotation, with some suggesting players such as Pulisic and Modrić may be rested. Some of the newer players, such as Nkunku, could also get their first start. It will be interesting to see if he calls up Balentien for this one, who made his only appearance for the first team so far vs. Lecce. However, Milan Futuro have a Serie D match on Wednesday, so he may be needed there instead.
Landucci seems to have managed both of the previous matches he was in charge of well, including our win over Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia. But along with the overreactions to Sunday's win over a team that finished 12th last season with better players – people already talking about winning the Scudetto, for example – there is always the opportunity for complacency. Allegri emphasized in his prematch Press Conference the necessity of going through to the Round of 16, but anything ciuld happen. Just never say never.
Our next match is:
Coppa Italia Second Round
Milan vs. Lecce
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 • 21:00 CEST (3pm EDT)
In the U.S., this match can be streamed on Paramount+,
or use a VPN to access better coverage
Serie D Week 4
Casatese Merate vs. Milan Futuro
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 • 16:00 CEST (10am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Campionato Primavera 1 Week 6
Cremonese Primavera vs. Milan Primavera
Saturday, September 27, 2025 • 13:00 CET (7am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Serie A Week 4
Milan vs. Napoli
Sunday, September 28, 2025 • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)
In the U.S., this match can be streamed for free on DAZN (in Spanish,) or on Paramount+,
or use a VPN to access better coverage
Serie D Week 5
Milan Futuro vs. Scanzorosciate Calcio
Sunday, September 28, 2025 • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)
This match is not being televised in the U.S.
Coppa Italia Second Round • Milan vs. Lecce: Never Say Never
Reviewed by Elaine
on
Rating:
Reviewed by Elaine
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Rating:
