Niclas Fullkrug’s debut AC Milan strike secures a 1-0 win over Lecce, keeping his side three points behind city rivals Inter Milan in Serie A
NICLAS Fullkrug kept AC Milan in touch with Serie A leaders Inter Milan with the only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Lecce, his first for the seven-time European champions.
The Germany forward, on loan from West Ham United, netted for the first time since April last year to push second-placed Milan past spirited Lecce.
His glancing header from Alexis Saelemaekers’s hooked cross in the 76th minute caused the San Siro crowd to roar with relief after a frustrating match.
“I got an incredible assist for Ale and yeah, it’s the dream of a striker to get an assist like this,” said Fullkrug to DAZN.
“I’m very thankful and very grateful to be here to wear the shirt, to get the trust you also need as a striker.”
The goal ensured Milan did not again drop points against lowly opposition, with Lecce dropping into the relegation zone.
Wladimiro Falcone was excellent in the Lecce goal, denying Samuel Ricci and Christian Pulisic with two phenomenal saves.
Fullkrug has had a difficult time since arriving in Milan, suffering a broken toe soon after his move.
Local media also widely report that thieves stole half a million euros worth of watches and jewelry from his hotel room while he was away for a midweek win at Como.
Asked if his goal made up for his recent misfortune, Fullkrug smiled and said: “Yeah, it’s enough.”
The win keeps Milan three points behind Inter Milan in the Serie A standings.
In other Sunday action, Roma comfortably won 2-0 at Torino thanks to a star performance from Paulo Dybala.
The Argentina international laid on new arrival Donyell Malen for a classy finish in the first half before scoring himself in the 72nd minute.
His brilliantly guided finish from Devyne Rensch’s cross was his first goal in nearly three months.
The win helped put fourth-placed Roma on 42 points, four behind Milan and three ahead of fifth-placed Juventus.
“Dybala put in a really good performance today, our first goal was fantastic,” said Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“You can see that he and Malen understand each other on the pitch.”
Earlier, Fiorentina won 2-0 at Bologna to climb out of the relegation zone.
The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for American media mogul and Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. – AFP
