1. Main Players Comparison
Lecce
- Core: Wladimiro Falcone (30, GK, 38 apps), Kialonda Gaspar (27, CB, 24 apps – reliable), Ylber Ramadani (29, DM, 22 apps).
- Midfield: Lassana Coulibaly (29, CM, 30 apps – physical), Thórir Helgason (24, AM, 4 assists).
- Attack: Nikola Krstovic (25, FW, 11G/5A – talisman), Santiago Pierotti (24, AM/FW, 4G/2A), Tete Morente (28, AM, 3G/2A).
- Output: Krstovic main scoring outlet. Wide options rotate but finishing burden heavy on him.
- Stability: Loss of Baschirotto + Jean injury hurts defensive solidity.
AC Milan
- Core: Mike Maignan (29, GK, 37 apps – elite shot-stopper), Theo Hernández (27, LB, 30 apps, 4G/3A – dynamic outlet), Fikayo Tomori (27, CB, 19 apps – defensive stability).
- Midfield: Youssouf Fofana (26, DM, 1G/6A – control & balance), Samuele Ricci (23, CM, 34 apps, 1G/1A – new pivot after Reijnders departure).
- Attack: Rafael Leão (25, LW/CF, 8G/8A – injured), Christian Pulisic (26, AM/W, 11G/9A – main creative force), Álvaro Morata (32, FW, 5G – experienced forward).
- Output: Creativity reduced by Reijnders exit and Leão injury, but Pulisic and Morata shoulder responsibility.
- Stability: Reinforced defense (Gabbia, Pavlovic, De Winter), midfield reshaped around Ricci, forward line bolstered by Abraham & Giménez.
2. New Players Comparison
Lecce
- Christ-Owen Kouassi (22, RB).
- Corrie Ndaba (25, LB).
- Matías Pérez (20, CB).
- Francesco Camarda (17, FW).
- Niko Kovač (20, CM).
- Olaf Gorter (20, DM).
- Ante Rebić (31, FW, adds experience).
- Medon Berisha (21, AM).
- Danilo Veiga (22, RB/WB).
- Value: Mostly developmental additions; Rebić adds Serie A experience.
AC Milan
- Samuele Ricci (23, CM – vital midfield replacement).
- Pervis Estupiñán (27, LB, attacking depth).
- Luka Modrić (39, CM, leadership, creativity).
- Tammy Abraham (27, CF, 3G/4A – striker depth).
- Koni De Winter (22, CB, 23 apps – reliable).
- Santiago Giménez (24, CF, 5G/2A – clinical).
- Value: Focused on reinforcing midfield and attack with Ricci, Modrić, Giménez, Abraham. Loss of Félix & Walker reduces creative/defensive flexibility.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Lecce
- Sub depth: Rafia (AM), Helgason (AM), Banda (LW), Karlsson (FW).
- Impact: Useful rotation but inconsistent scoring beyond Krstovic.
- Sub potential: ~5–6 goals.
AC Milan
- Sub depth: Chukwueze (RW, 3G/2A), Loftus-Cheek (CM rotation), Bartesaghi (LB), Abraham & Giménez (CFs).
- Impact: Still strong attacking bench even without Félix; depth in strikers ensures goal threat late in games.
- Sub potential: ~11–12 goals.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
|
Category |
Lecce Rating |
AC Milan Rating |
|
Main Players |
|
|
|
New Players |
|
|
|
Substitutes |
|
|
|
Overall Depth |
Heavy reliance on Krstovic |
Strong in attack & midfield depth, but no Félix |
|
Key Weakness |
Defensive losses (Baschirotto, Jean) |
Creativity gap post-Reijnders; Leão injured |
5. Injuries & Suspensions (with impact)
Lecce
- Gaby Jean – Cruciate ligament injury (out until early Oct, defensive rotation loss).
Impact: Milan’s attack loses spark without Leão (and Félix gone), but Giménez & Abraham cover striker roles. Lecce fragile in defense.
AC Milan
- Filip Marchwinski – Cruciate ligament injury (out until mid-Oct, midfield cover missing).
- Rafael Leão – Calf injury (out until early Sept, removes star wide threat).
6. Predicted Outcome
- Lecce: Dangerous through Krstovic, but weakened backline and limited creative depth.
- AC Milan: Depth still superior, midfield now dependent on Ricci & Modrić for creativity, Pulisic critical. Attack can rotate with Abraham & Giménez.
Likely Result: Lecce - AC Milan 0 – 2
