Sharjah 24 – AFP: AC Milan secured a convincing 3-0 victory against 10-man Lecce, consolidating their position in second place in Serie A and edging closer to clinching a spot in the Champions League.

The goals came early in the match, with Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud finding the net, followed by Rafael Leao's strike shortly before the hour mark. 

This win extends Milan's lead over third-placed Juventus to nine points, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification, with Inter Milan leading the table by 11 points.

The result also serves as ideal preparation for Milan's upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash with Roma. Manager Stefano Pioli expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their physical and technical readiness. He emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation for each match, particularly with key fixtures on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Juventus, facing a concerning dip in form, could find themselves in fourth place should Bologna secure a win before Juve's match against Fiorentina on Sunday. The race for a top-four finish intensifies as Serie A vies for an extra Champions League spot, with Roma aiming to secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.

Lecce, despite their frustrations, remains above the relegation zone. However, their defeat was marred by controversial incidents, including a contentious red card and unfortunate injuries. As the season progresses, teams like Empoli continue to battle for survival, highlighting the competitive nature of Serie A.