Pulisic and Leao reassuring: ‘Milan are very united’ after 3-2 victory

LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 08: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and AC Milan at Stadio Via del Mare on March 08, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic admits the comeback from 2-0 down to beat Lecce 3-2 is ‘so important’ for Milan during a tough moment, while Rafael Leao assures they are ‘very united’ as a squad.

The Rossoneri were coming off three consecutive Serie A defeats to leave them in ninth place, along with Champions League play-off elimination to Feyenoord, so the mood was rock bottom as they trailed 2-0 at the Stadio Via del Mare to struggling Lecce.

The game changed with a little bit of luck on 68 minutes, when Joao Felix’s wayward finish was deflected in off Antonino Gallo, then Pulisic won and converted a penalty before meeting Rafael Leao’s cross at the back post to win 3-2.

“This moment is very difficult for us, so a victory like this is so important, 100 per cent,” Pulisic told DAZN.

“We are a very united group, we proved it today and it was a strong response at this moment.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Lecce 2-3 Milan

Milan hope Pulisic and Leao can reboot campaign

There is a definite trend under Sergio Conceicao’s tenure, which started on December 30 when replacing Paulo Fonseca, as they can complete remarkable comebacks from dire situations.

It is not always a scenario they should get themselves into, of course, but shows trouble starting matches.

“I thought we came on with an incredible desire to win after that poor first half where we had two goals disallowed. We worked as a team, we all believed and in the end we won because we gave our all,” Leao told DAZN.

There was speculation of tension between some Milan players and the coach this week, with Conceicao’s spokesman even resigning after telling the media there were problems.

“Our team spirit has always been strong, we are very united. Unfortunately, we are out of Europe, but we had a full week to work together and it was completely different. Players had the chance to rest and prepare,” assured Leao.

The Portugal international was one of several big players dropped to the bench today, including Joao Felix and Youssouf Fofana, but he came on at half-time.

“I am one of many who came off the bench eager to help the team. We are all happy, now there is another game coming up against a very difficult opponent like Como, but we want to win and keep chasing our objectives.”