AC Milan could not do better than a draw (2-2) in Lecce after leading by two goals. Olivier Giroud scored… and was sent off.
AC Milan came back to earth a little after their big performance in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. The Rossoneri could not do better than a draw (2-2) on the lawn of Lecce, as part of the 12th day of Serie A. The executioners of PSG lost their footing in the second half, after having regained the locker room with two goals in advance, and go on to a third match without a victory in the league.
Olivier Giroud, in Olympic form, first did it again four days after his victorious header under the bar of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Once again on a cross from Théo Hernandez, the former Montpellier man sprang to deceive Falcone (0-1, 28th) and made Rafael Leao’s thigh injury somewhat forgotten in the 10th minute. A little later, the Dutchman Tijani Reijnders celebrated his first goal in Milan colors after a short ride concluded with a shot placed in the area (0-2, 35th).
A little smug after the break, Stefano Pioli’s men fell asleep and let Lecce fight back. Roberto D’Aversa’s coaching at the hour mark immediately bore fruit. Nicola Sansone, served by the former Toulouse player Alexis Blin, first deceived the vigilance of Mike Maignan, before serving Lameck Banda for the equalizer.
AC Milan could even have lost this match after going into fear panic mode. Olivier Giroud, furious with the referee after a hand not whistled, pulled the pin and was sent off in added time for too flowery words (90th + 3). In the process, the Lombards were saved from defeat, Piccoli’s goal with a dry and distant shot being invalidated for a fault by one of his partners.
If Naples wins against Empoli on Sunday, Milan will drop to fourth place, with the risk of being a little further behind Inter and Juventus.
