SERIE A

'We need signings' - Reactions as Milan hand Napoli advantage in title race after Lecce draw

David Ben 20:29 - 14 January 2023

AC Milan held by Lecce in Serie A

The Rossoneri were held by newly-promoted Lecce in a huge boost to Napoli in the Serie A title race.

Defending champions AC Milan travelled to the Via del Mare to face newly-promoted Lecce on Saturday, January 14, 2023 in the Serie A.

With a 10-point gap at the top, Milan needed a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Napoli.

However, it only took two minutes and 50 seconds for Lecce to open the scoring when Pierre Kalulu gave the ball away in his own area, allowing the hosts to pounce, and forcing Theo Hernández to score an own goal to put Lecce 1-0 up.

Theo Hernandez scored an unfortunate own goal for AC Milan against Lecce in Serie A

Lecce eventually doubled their lead, catching the flat-footed Milan defence as Federico Baschirotto rose highest to head home with their second shot on target.

Federico Baschirotto doubled Lecce's lead in the first half against AC Milan

Despite the visitors dominating possession in the first half, none of their seven attempts found its way into the back of the net as Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão were silenced.

Lecce went into the break with a two-goal advantage as Milan were left plotting a comeback ahead of the second period.

Second Half

Stefano Pioli’s half-time talk clearly inspired the visitors as Giroud and Brahim Diaz combined in the box in the 57th minute.

Rafa Leao scored for AC MIlan against Lecce

With Lecce failing ti properly clear their lines, the ball to the feet of Leão and the Portuguese international didn’t certainly take the gift for granted, drilling home in the 58th minute to get Milan back into the game.

The travelling fans would have cause to celebrate once more as Giroud teed up a wide-open Davide Calabria to head home for the leveller.

Davide Calabria scored the equalizer for Milan against Lecce

However, with still about 20 minutes to go, Milan could not find a way to break down the hosts and get the crucial winner as Lecce finished off the match with a solid defensive performance.

In the end, the result meant Napoli now a hold a nine-point lead at the top with Milan in second and Lecce sitting 12th on the summit.

Social Media Reactions

AC Milan dropped points against Lecce in Serie A on Saturday

Following the result on Saturday night, here’s how fans on social media have reacted:

Ac Milan's draw at the stadio via del mare to lecce makes Napoli top the serie A table with 9 points.
Looks like Napoli are running away with the title. pic.twitter.com/gxeskKrfcI
— Gabriel oray (@GabrielOray) January 14, 2023

It's been a great weekend for Luciano Spalletti and Napoli as they beat Juventus 5-1 yesterday and now AC Milan have drew 2-2 with Lecce today.

9 point difference between the two clubs with the same games played (18), it's looking good. #Napoli
— Cam (@ProxyAnalytics) January 14, 2023

How could player like vrankx dest origi messias salad tata and… play for milan !!maldini must retire! Pioli one of the worst coach to find solutions! How this won the the trophy! Napoli inter Roma Atlanta sooon will take our spot! Lazio will sh!t on the team 💦
— bo omar (@boomaracm1) January 14, 2023

Can’t believe our management sees our league position, sees performances like this and say we don’t need to make a signing in January. One qualitative leap at the RW would make such a huge difference.
Why did we sign Adli? CDK? Vrancks? They barely play. 🤷🏾‍♂️
— ♛ High xG (@StainlessTony) January 14, 2023

The question is are we still winning the scudetto this season?
— Killing The Beat 🎹🥁 (@femi_wext) January 14, 2023

No game changer on the bench. It's not a good place to be for any coach.
— Ọnụọha Udochukwu, E (@Udo_Casciavit) January 14, 2023

Lol we need a depth squad, but Milan still not want to looking a new RW, striker. Sad
— Radip. (@IndomieKeren) January 14, 2023

Squad depth is clearly not there but our great Maldini is telling us we don’t need any new players
— audio slave with a master mind (@TROYwastaken) January 14, 2023

What is happening to the team? This is not the Milan we know, a month before the fateful Tottenham game. Things must be adjusted, otherwise everything will be lost. 💔
— Walid Guemida (@Walid_guemida) January 14, 2023

Awful performance. Scrappy play, unimaginative, totally undeserved draw.
— Matthew Brimble (@mjbNP20) January 14, 2023