CorSera: The big names deliver – Amorim’s selections pay off in crucial Lecce win
By: Oliver Fisher
AC Milan got back on their feet after the midweek defeat against Benfica in the Europa League, beating Lecce 3-0 at San Siro.
As Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) write this morning, after two consecutive league draws against Juventus and Lazio and a disappointing European debut defeat against Benfica, an immediate reaction from Milan was needed.
It arrived as the Rossoneri beat Lecce 3-0 thanks in part to Ruben Amorim’s selection, who this time decided to use almost all of his ‘starters’ from minute one. Compared to the match against the Portuguese side in which he rotated, he seemed to go all guns blazing.
Mario Gila returned to the starting line-up in defense, Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot were partnered in midfield, and Christian Pulisic got the nod in attack.
The big names deliver
The American broke the deadlock, scoring his first goal after 266 days. He did so with a beautiful first touch and finish past Falcone after a great through ball from Strahinja Pavlovic found his run in behind.
The second goal came from Rabiot, assisted by Gonçalo Ramos. The Portuguese striker was perhaps the only negative note of the evening because he ran a lot, linked play well and got an assist, but played too far from goal and didn’t score yesterday either.
Diego Moreira sealed the victory, scoring his third goal of the season for the Rossoneri. It can’t be a coincidence that AC Milan returned to winning ways thanks to a more than convincing performance after Amorim fielded his top players.
There’s still a lot of work to do, but the coach has finally understood that this is no longer the time for experiments and that the team needs certainty. Now the long international break begins, with several players called up and therefore away from Milanello for a few days.
When the season resumes, Milan face a very tough schedule in which they will play every three or four days, and Amorim will need all his players in the best form.
