Serie A Round 31: AC Milan's Goalkeeper Haunted by Past, New Coaches Shine in Rome

The Serie A Round 31 continues on the evening of April 6th, Beijing time, with AC Milan’s French goalkeeper Mike Maignan looking to overcome a haunting memory from his last encounter with Lecce. Although Lecce's stunning long-range goal in their previous match was eventually disallowed, the moment surely left an indelible mark on Maignan. Additionally, Roma and Lazio have both appointed new managers this season. Can Igor Tudor, like Daniele De Rossi before him, clean up the mess left by his predecessor?

AC Milan vs. Lecce - Maignan on Guard Against Long Shots

As the Serie A season enters its final third, AC Milan’s hold on the runner-up position becomes more secure. The Rossoneri have won their last four matches, while Juventus has consistently dropped points, putting Milan six points ahead of Juventus and allowing them to focus more on their European campaign. After 30 matches, Milan has only one point fewer than they did at the same stage during their championship-winning 2021-2022 season. Back then, Olivier Giroud was younger, and Milan still had Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessié, making their squad arguably stronger. Thus, Milan fans have no reason to doubt Stefano Pioli's capabilities.

In their recent away match against Fiorentina, Milan posed a greater offensive threat, with numerous scoring opportunities in the first half, though none were converted. The second half saw a flurry of three goals within eight minutes, followed by a quieter period, ending with Milan securing a narrow 2-1 victory. Rafael Leão, who contributed a goal and an assist, was undoubtedly Milan's key player. His dominance on the field is of superstar caliber, but his modest tally of five goals in Serie A this season is below his potential. Leão plays primarily for the joy of the game, a rare trait among top players who often have grim expressions when shooting, while Leão smiles. If he valued winning as much as most players, he might not have stayed at Milan.

Lecce, affectionately known as the "Little Peppers," has won only one of their last six matches and currently sits four points above the relegation zone, which is not an entirely safe margin. In their recent game against a revitalized Roma under new manager De Rossi, Lecce showed no fear, dominating the match with 27 shots, though many were wayward. Their willingness to relinquish possession through shooting reflects their confidence in controlling the game.

In their first encounter this season, Milan’s performance against Lecce was somewhat embarrassing. Despite leading by two goals at halftime, they allowed Lecce to equalize in the second half, with Giroud receiving a red card. In the final moments, Lecce's striker Piccoli stunned French goalkeeper Maignan with a 40-meter long shot, though the goal was disallowed for a prior foul, sparing Maignan’s blushes. Milan is in excellent form now and can be expected to play to 80% of their potential at home. Lecce, with their strategies against Milan, might perform to 50% of their potential.

Roma vs. Lazio - The New Coach Derby

Roma’s recent match against Lecce was unexpectedly challenging, with Roma failing to secure a win and being largely on the back foot. They were fortunate to escape with a point. The international break appears to have significantly impacted Roma. De Rossi's decision to play left winger Nicola Zalewski for the entire match is questionable, especially after Zalewski played 120 minutes for Poland against Wales, including a penalty shootout. Limiting his playtime to 30 minutes might have been more effective.

Lazio has played two matches since the international break, both against Juventus. They triumphed in Serie A but were eliminated in the Coppa Italia. Lazio's performances in these two matches were starkly different. In the league, they almost completely neutralized Juventus' attacks, while in the cup, Juventus controlled the game. The return of Juventus' star striker Vlahović caused visible trouble for Lazio, creating more opportunities for his partner Chiesa. The two forwards were responsible for both of Juventus' goals. Meanwhile, Lazio's main striker Immobile has been in poor form, failing to register a single shot on target.

Following Roma, Lazio also appointed a new manager, Igor Tudor, who previously enjoyed great success at Verona. Tudor's tenure at Lazio has started well, making his upcoming duel with De Rossi highly anticipated. Roma has failed to score in their last four matches against Lazio, with three of those matches resulting in defeats. However, Roma’s attacking prowess has undeniably improved. In this derby, Roma can be expected to play to 80% of their capacity, while Lazio might reach 50%.

AC Milan's Prospects

AC Milan’s recent victories have bolstered their confidence and position in the league. The team’s attacking fluidity, combined with solid defensive work, makes them formidable opponents. Rafael Leão’s cheerful demeanor on the pitch belies his serious impact, and if he can find his scoring boots more consistently, Milan's attack will be even more potent. Pioli’s ability to rotate the squad effectively will be crucial as they juggle domestic and European commitments.

Lecce’s Challenges

Lecce’s situation is precarious, with their proximity to the relegation zone. Their aggressive approach, as seen against Roma, showcases their resilience and fighting spirit. However, consistency remains an issue. Against a high-flying Milan, Lecce will need to be defensively solid and capitalize on any scoring opportunities. The memory of their previous encounter's disallowed goal might serve as motivation for both the team and Maignan, ensuring a highly competitive fixture.

The Rome Derby’s Significance

The Rome derby is always a significant event, but this season it carries extra weight with both teams under new management. De Rossi’s experience and tactical acumen are being tested, while Tudor’s successful track record at Verona brings optimism to Lazio. The outcome of this derby will not only influence the league standings but also set the tone for the remainder of the season for both clubs.

In conclusion, as Serie A Round 31 unfolds, AC Milan aims to maintain their strong form and secure their position, while Lecce fights to stay clear of relegation. The Rome derby adds an extra layer of intrigue with new managerial faces on both sides. Fans can expect a thrilling round of matches that will significantly impact the teams' trajectories as the season nears its climax.