Christian Pulisic’s Surprise Role in AC Milan vs. Lecce – Will He Start or Sit Out?

AC Milan might seem like they’re stumbling these days, but their recent win over Como in Serie A—with Adrien Rabiot shining brightly—reminds us that this team isn’t down for the count just yet. Now, as they gear up to take on Lecce, the pressure’s on to keep that winning streak alive. Christopher Nkunku has been turning heads with his form, but honestly, eyes are glued to Christian Pulisic’s status—after being benched last match, fans are eager to see if he’ll kick off this one in the starting eleven. Pulisic looks fit and ready after recent training sessions, and although Allegri held him back last time to manage fatigue from tough fixtures, the expectation is he’ll lead the charge on offense once again—especially since he’s been AC Milan’s top gunslinger this season. While Pulisic’s got the spotlight, the Rossoneri aren’t leaning on him alone; Allegri’s also counting on Rafael Leao and Nkunku to crank up the attack, aiming to claw back the top spot in Serie A. It’s shaping up to be a match full of promise and tension, a true test of Milan’s grit and ambition. LEARN MORE

Although on a seeming losing streak, AC Milan secured a crucial victory against Como in Serie A, highlighted by Adrien Rabiot’s impressive performance. Nonetheless, they face Lecce, aiming for another win to sustain their momentum. While Christopher Nkunku has been in a great form, fans are closely monitoring Christian Pulisic‘s status, hoping to see him in the starting lineup after he was benched in the previous game.

Christian Pulisic has successfully remained injury-free and has participated in the team’s recent training sessions. Although coach Massimiliano Allegri chose to leave him on the bench in the previous game, he explained in a press conference that this decision was due to Pulisic coming off two very demanding matches. After his rest, the USMNT is expected to start in the offense, as he has been the team’s top scorer this 2025-26 season.

Massimiliano Allegri has successfully transformed Christian Pulisic into one of Serie A’s standout players. The USMNT star currently leads AC Milan as their top scorer this season while also ranking among the team’s top assist providers. Despite this, the 27-year-old has faced criticism for his inefficiency in front of goal, often failing to capitalize on the opportunities he creates.

While Pulisic’s scoring prowess is expected to mark the differences in today’s game vs. Lecce, the Rossoneri cannot rely solely on him. Throughout the 2025-26 season, coach Massimiliano Allegri has also bet on Rafael Leao and Nkunku, looking to boost their offensive prowess. Even though both have delivered solid performances, they need to step up in today’s game as they did in the latest game vs. Como, chasing the leadership spot in Serie A.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on during the Coppa Italia match.

AC Milan predicted lineup vs. Lecce

AC Milan approach the game against Lecce with most of their roster in top form, except for Santiago Gimenez, who remains sidelined due to injury. Coach Allegri may consider some changes, potentially introducing Ardon Jashari in midfield and Koni De Winter in defense to infuse the lineup with young talent. It’s crucial for Adrien Rabiot to sustain his performance, as he possesses the ability to influence the outcome of the game.

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With this in mind, AC Milan could lineup as follows: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Koni De Winter; Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Ardon Jashari, Adrien Rabiot, Davide Bartesaghi; Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic.

Lecce predicted lineup vs AC Milan

Unlike the Rossoneri, Lecce have not enjoyed their best season, suffering three consecutive defeats. Moreover, coach Eusebio Di Francesco faces numerous absences, including Kialonda Gaspar, Danilo Veiga, Francesco Camarda, and Medon Berisha. Despite these challenges, the team looks to Konan N’Dri, Lameck Banda, and Lassana Coulibaly to lead the charge as they chase a victory that propels them toward a positive streak.

Considering this, Lecce could play as follows: Wladimiro Falcone; Christ-Owen Kouassi, Jamil Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Antonino Gallo; Ylber Ramadani, Omri Gandelman, Lassana Coulibaly; Riccardo Sottil, Nikola Stulic, Lameck Banda.