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