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.
German striker Fullkrug, on loan from West Ham United, scored for the first time since April last year to push second-placed Milan past spirited Lecce and keep his new team three points behind Inter.
The burly 32-year-old looked home Alexis Saelemaekers’ angular cross in the 76th minute, causing the San Siro crowd to roar with relief after being frustrated by Lecce.
“I got an incredible assist from Ale and yes, it is a striker’s dream to get an assist like that,” Fullkrug told DAZN.
«I’m very grateful and very thankful that I’m here to wear the shirt, to get the confidence that you need as a striker too… It’s a very good group, a great atmosphere, and that’s why I’m 100 percent happy.»
Wladimiro Falcone was excellent in the Lecce goal, denying Samuel Ricci and Christian Pulisic with two phenomenal saves, but he could do nothing to stop Fullkrug, who has struggled since arriving in Milan.
Fullkrug suffered a broken toe shortly after moving to northern Italy and local media widely reported that thieves stole half a million euros worth of watches and jewelery from his hotel room while he was away for Milan’s midweek win in Como.
He ensured Milan did not drop points against lowly opposition again, with Lecce sliding into the relegation zone behind Fiorentina, who won 2-0 in Bologna earlier on Sunday.
When asked by DAZN if his goal made up for his recent setback, Fullkrug smiled and said: «Yes, it’s enough.»
READ ALSO: La Liga 2025-26: Real Sociedad stuns Barcelona 2-1 to end the leader’s winning streak
Dybala shines for Roma
Milan’s next opponents Roma won comfortably 2-0 in Torino thanks to a great performance from Paulo Dybala, who set up new signing Donyell Malen for a stylish finish midway through the first half before securing a third straight win in the 72nd minute.
The Argentina international’s brilliantly headed finish from a Devyne Rensch cross was his first goal in almost three months and helped lift Roma up to 42 points in fourth place, four behind Milan.
Dybala has had a difficult first season under Gian Piero Gasperini with known injury problems and the emergence of compatriot Matias Soule suggesting his time may be up in the Italian capital.
But the 32-year-old was outstanding in a win that was revenge for Torino’s Italian Cup elimination on Tuesday night and moved Roma three points clear of fifth-placed Juventus in the battle for Champions League football.
«Dybala put in a very good performance today, our first goal was fantastic. You can see that he and Malen understand each other on the pitch,» said Gasperini.
Roma have won the Conference League and reached the Europa League final in recent years, but last played in Europe’s elite club competition in the 2018/19 season when they were knocked out in the last 16 by Porto.
Fiorentina’s victory in Bologna was a great way to pay tribute to American media magnate Commisso, who died on Saturday at the age of 76 and was commemorated with a minute’s silence before kick-off.
Italian-born billionaire Commisso was the founder of Mediacom Communications, one of the largest cable TV providers in the United States, and was a passionate soccer fan who also owned the New York Cosmos before taking over Fiorentina in 2019.
He hired current Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano, who took Fiorentina to three finals, two in the Conference League and one in the Italian Cup.
Italiano, who tasted cup success with Bologna last season, has struggled in recent weeks after a strong start to this campaign, with his eighth-placed side picking up just five points in nine games since the start of December.
Published on January 19, 2026
