Füllkrug’s Debut Goal Seals Sixth Straight Milan Triumph Over Lecce

Key Takeaways:

• Milan secured a 1:0 home victory over Lecce in the 21st round of Serie A, with Niclas Füllkrug scoring on his debut in the 76th minute
• Rossoneri notched their third win over Lecce this season, following 2:0 in the league and 3:0 in the Coppa Italia
• With this win, Milan stayed second in Serie A with 46 points, three behind Inter, as Lecce dropped to 18th on 17 points, level with Fiorentina but with inferior goal difference

Match Overview

AC Milan continued their dominant streak against Lecce, emerging 1:0 victors at San Siro in the 21st round of Serie A courtesy of a debut goal from substitute Niclas Füllkrug. The breakthrough was achieved in the 76th minute, the German striker heading home following a cross from Alexis Saelemaekers.

The encounter saw Milan record their sixth consecutive win over Lecce, further asserting their dominance after a 2:0 away win and a 3:0 Coppa Italia success earlier in the campaign. Despite several chances to extend their lead, the hosts were kept at bay by a series of impressive interventions from Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone.

Three more points in the bag 😎💰

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— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 18, 2026

Team Selection and Tactical Adjustments

Manager Massimiliano Allegri introduced four changes from the previous 3:1 triumph over Como, with alterations mainly in midfield. Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari started in place of Youssouf Fofana and Luka Modrić, Pervis Estupiñán was preferred to Davide Bartesaghi on the left flank, and Christian Pulisic partnered Rafael Leão up front, replacing Christopher Nkunku in the attack. Lecce lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, this time deploying Riccardo Sottil, Nikola Stulić and Santiago Pierotti as their front three.

First Half: Tight Defences and Missed Chances

The match commenced with a minute’s silence, honouring the late Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso. Milan quickly generated attacking momentum, with Matteo Gabbia heading wide in the sixth minute, immediately followed by an off-target attempt from Alexis Saelemaekers. Rafael Leão briefly thought he had opened the scoring with a tidy finish, only for the assistant’s flag to cut short celebrations due to a clear offside.

Lecce gradually settled, with Nikola Stulić twice missing the target before Christian Pulisic forced a save out of Falcone in the 33rd minute. The visitors successfully blocked Milan’s remaining efforts before half-time, ensuring a goalless interval.

Second Half: Füllkrug Strikes the Decisive Blow

After the break, Milan continued to press but found their efforts repelled by Lecce’s defenders and the resilient Falcone. Gabbia repeatedly came close with headers from corners, while Estupiñán shot over the bar from the edge of the area. Milan’s first second-half shot on target arrived in the 57th minute, Falcone gathering Ricci’s low effort. Falcone denied Pulisic’s promising chance in the 62nd minute, and Adrien Rabiot was similarly frustrated moments later.

In the 73rd minute, Gabbia created an opportunity for Füllkrug, but the debutant was unable to immediately capitalise. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, another substitute, also missed a good opening. The deadlock was finally broken three minutes later: Saelemaekers picked out Füllkrug, whose headed effort beat Falcone for the match’s only goal. Shortly after his assist, Saelemaekers was substituted due to injury, with Zakari Attekhame replacing him. Ardon Jashari also exited near the end, giving way to Modrić due to a physical issue. In stoppage time, Nkunku had a chance to double Milan’s advantage, but once again Falcone stood firm.

Serie A Standings Impact

With this result, Milan retained second place on 46 points, remaining just three behind league leaders Inter. Lecce slipped into the relegation zone, now 18th with 17 points – level with 17th-placed Fiorentina, but holding a worse goal difference.