Week 31: Milan – Lecce

Against all odd Milan made it to the Champions League semis by beating Napoli 2-1 in aggregate. The league form, due to changes in the starting line up has not matched the UCL one. It wasn’t easy against Napoli but Maignan, Leao and co shone in the tie and set up a Milan derby Champions League semi final.

As most expected Juventus got their 15 points deduction reversed, pending a new trial. There was little resistance to the team’s appeal and the reversal leapfrogged Juventus to third place and knocked Milan out of the Champions League places. The final games of the season will be crucial to next season’s financial outlook and more.

An injury free team news didn’t last with Pobega and Giroud unable to make the squad. Rebic replaces Giroud up front with Ibra back on the bench. Calabria has a yellow accumulation suspension and is replaced by Kalulu. The starting 11 is Maignan; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo; Krunic, Tonali; Messias, Díaz, Leao; Rebic.

Lecce have struggled for a good part of the season and are currently 16th with last winning in mid February.

There is always more about this match and others on the forums.