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The Super Eagles forward was a handful for the opposition defence, helping AC Milan to a comfortable win
Samuel Chukwueze took full advantage of a rare start for AC Milan and turned in a superb performance to help the Rossoneri to a 3-0 win over Lecce in Serie A.
Although he did did not get on the scoresheet, Chukwueze tormented the Lecce defence with his direct running and created five chances foehs teammates, grabbing an assist in the process.
The Nigerian forward created the opening goal for Christian Pulisic, before further strikes from Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leoa sealed the win for AC Milan
How it happened
Milan continued their impressive form with a seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, overcoming 10-man Lecce in a match overshadowed by contentious refereeing decisions. Despite the controversy, goals from Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud, and Rafael Leao secured the win for the Rossoneri.
The stage was set for an intriguing clash as Milan aimed to extend their winning streak while Lecce, under new coach Luca Gotti, sought to build on recent positive results. However, Lecce faced challenges with Ruben Loftus-Cheek suspended and several key players sidelined due to injury, while Milan welcomed back Theo Hernandez from suspension.
Milan wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Joan Gonzalez coming close early on for Lecce. However, it was Milan who struck first blood as Samuel Chukwueze's run down the right flank set up Christian Pulisic to curl a sublime finish into the top corner, giving Milan the lead.
Pulisic continued to trouble the Lecce defense, testing goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone with a series of efforts. Olivier Giroud doubled Milan's advantage with a fortuitous goal, deflecting a corner into the net with his shoulder, ending his scoring drought in the league.
Despite Lecce's attempts to claw their way back into the game, their task was made even harder when Nikola Krstovic was shown a straight red card for a high boot on Chukwueze. The decision incited further controversy, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
The match took another contentious turn when Pontus Almqvist went down following a challenge with Theo Hernandez, allowing Milan to capitalize on the counter-attack and extend their lead through Rafael Leao. The decision left Lecce aggrieved, with President Saverio Sticchi Damiani expressing his frustration from the stands.
Despite Lecce's protests, VAR could not intervene as the referee deemed no foul had been committed. Milan held on to their lead amidst the controversy, maintaining their winning streak and consolidating their position in the league standings.
The victory for Milan underscores their resilience amidst adversity, while Lecce will rue the refereeing decisions that influenced the outcome of the match.
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