Pulisic Double Inspires AC Milan Comeback Victory at Lecce

Christian Pulisic scored twice, including a penalty and a late winner, as AC Milan came from two goals down to defeat Lecce 3-2 in a dramatic Serie A encounter on Saturday. The victory ends Milan’s three-match losing streak in the league and keeps them within reach of the European qualification spots.

Milan, despite dominating the early stages, found themselves trailing at halftime. Two goals were disallowed for offside – Santiago Gimenez’s effort in the opening minute and Matteo Gabbia’s close-range finish – while Lecce took a shock lead. Nikola Krstovic scored a stunning long-range strike in the seventh minute, finding the right corner of the net. The match began with the pitch covered by smokes.

Lecce, Serie A’s lowest-scoring team with only 20 goals, could have extended their lead, with Krstovic hitting the post in the 21st minute and Santiago Pierotti misfiring shortly after.

Krstovic did double Lecce’s advantage after the restart, finishing clinically with a first-time shot. However, the hosts’ fortunes began to unravel from there.

🎯 𝐊𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐂❗️#LecceMilan #SerieAEnilive pic.twitter.com/7JK6ObnUVK

— U.S. Lecce (@OfficialUSLecce) March 8, 2025

In the 68th minute, Lecce defender Antonino Gallo scored an own goal. Rafael Leao, a halftime substitute, delivered a cross that Joao Felix struck first-time, with the ball deflecting off Gallo and into the net.

Milan were then awarded a penalty for a foul on Pulisic, which the American international converted confidently in the 73rd minute to equalize.

Pulisic completed the turnaround in the 81st minute, scoring from close range after another excellent cross from Leao.

Milan Climb Table, Lecce Remain in Danger

The victory lifts Milan to eighth in the Serie A table with 44 points from 28 games, eight points behind fourth-placed Juventus, who host Atalanta on Sunday. Lecce, meanwhile, remain in 16th place, just three points above the relegation zone.

The match highlighted Milan’s resilience and Pulisic’s growing influence, while also underlining Lecce’s struggles in front of goal, despite Krstovic’s brace. This was Lecce’s first time scoring at home since late December, and just the second time losing at home to the Rossoneri, after April 2006.