Massimiliano Allegri claimed his first victory since returning to the AC Milan dugout as his side ground out a 2-0 win away to Lecce, ending the hosts’ unbeaten start to the Serie A season.

Milan thought they had struck early when Matteo Gabbia headed home Luka Modrić’s corner in the fourth minute, but VAR intervention ruled it out for a foul.

What followed was a cagey first half with few clear chances, though Ruben Loftus-Cheek saw a header clawed away by Wladimiro Falcone, while Santiago Giménez squandered a late opening.

Lecce, still chasing their first goal of the season, showed more intent after the break with substitute Nikola Štulić helping to carve out a rare shot for Mohamed Kaba.

But Milan’s pressure steadily grew, and they were denied once more when Giménez’s finish was chalked off for offside.

It proved third time lucky on 66 minutes, as Modrić’s floated free-kick was glanced on by Loftus-Cheek to finally break Lecce’s resistance.

Christian Pulisic then punished a defensive lapse late on to seal the win, ensuring Milan extended their unbeaten run against Lecce to 15 matches.

For Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, the defeat leaves them with just one win from their last 12 home league games.