After a patchy start to the season, AC Milan travel to southern Italy to face US Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on Thursday, August 29. The Serie A encounter provides the opportunity for Stefano Pioli's side to find some consistency and build momentum after an opening day victory was followed by a less than adequate display. For Lecce, this first home meeting with one of the league's top dogs is a chance to prove themselves and show their mettle in the first division.

Both teams will want to claim three points for different reasons. Milan will have to maintain contact with the early leaders, while Lecce will be hoping to establish themselves as a force to be met with, especially at home.

• Date: Thursday, 29th August 2025

• Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC

• Venue: Stadio Via del Mare, Lecce, Italy

• Competition: Serie A (Matchday 2)

Lecce started their Serie A league campaign with a decent away draw against a tough test (e.g., a 1-1 draw at Cagliari). Lecce, celebrated for their lively home support and a strong defensive setup under Luca Gotti, will see this game as a serious challenge to their resolve. While they lack Milan's marquee players, their organization on the field and counter-attacking ability are enough to trouble the best sides. Their home form last term played a crucial role in gaining Serie A safety.

AC Milan started their campaign with a tough home win (e.g., beating Udinese 2-1), but their performance in the next fixture (e.g., an infuriating draw against Bologna) left a few things in doubt. As strong as they are in attack, Pioli will be looking for more control in midfield and improved defensive cohesion. Rossoneri will be aiming not to drop points in these early games as they seek to start a serious title challenge. This trip to Lecce provides a chance to demonstrate their strength on the road against potentially tricky opposition.

AC Milan have generally had a positive record against Lecce but encounters at the Stadio Via del Mare have often been more contested.

• Lecce's sole success in the last six league games came at home, highlighting their propensity to trap at the Via del Mare.

Lecce will most probably line up on the same side as their first match, relying on their tried-and-tested defense and praying that their quality forwards can take advantage of whatever chances come their way. There are no reported serious injuries for Luca Gotti's side.

AC Milan, on the other hand, can have Pioli consider some changes to tactics or personnel following their recent draw. New signings might be competing for a spot in the starting team. Midfielder Ismaël Bennacer remains likely to miss out because of his long-term injury, but the rest of the squad are available more or less.

Lecce with Luca Gotti at the helm are expected to take a tight defensive line, seeking to thwart the creative talents of Milan and catch them on the counterattack, using the quickness of their wingers. Their midfield will have to be solid to constrict the space for Milan's attacking midfielders.

Milan, under pressure to produce a more convincing display, will have to find ways to break down the possibly obstinate defense of Lecce. Their wingers' imagination, largely Rafael Leão, and their center forward's mobility, likely Olivier Giroud, will be crucial. The midfield battle, especially Milan's creative playmakers against Lecce's hardworking midfielders, will determine the control of the tempo of the match. Pioli may also consider altering his attacking lineup to introduce greater unpredictability.

• Nikola Krstović (Lecce): Lecce's main attacking hope will need to be ruthless if chances come on the break.

• Rafael Leão (AC Milan): Milan's key creative spark, his dribbling beyond defenders and creativity in creating scoring chances will be vital.

• Sandro Tonali (AC Milan): Back to face his former club, Tonali's midfield dominance and range of passing will be vital to Milan.

• US Lecce to win: 5.20

• Draw: 3.85

• AC Milan to win: 1.69

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AC Milan would be favorites for the game given their superior league position and previous dominance in the match. The home turf of Lecce and recent Milan inconsistency could make the odds more compact, though.

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While Lecce will undoubtedly prove a stern test, particularly at home in front of their passionate faithful, AC Milan's superior attacking quality must ultimately win through. Pioli will desire his side to produce a more coherent and composed performance than their recent offering.

Lecce's resilience to stay in the game and hit back aggressively means Milan will need to be tight at the back and sharp in front of goal. The personal quality within the Milan squads, especially in the attacking squads, will likely be the difference, though.

• Final Score Prediction: US Lecce 1-2 AC Milan

Milan must grab a handy away win, but they will have to be on top form to overcome a desperate Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare.