Karlstrom, Davis, and Buksa score as Udinese hold off Lecce’s late surge to stay in the European hunt.
Atta dazzles as Udinese outgun Lecce in a lively encounter
Udinese returned to winning ways at the Bluenergy Stadium, defeating Lecce 3–2 in a thrilling contest that showcased the attacking flair of Kosta Runjaic’s side. The Friulani produced an outstanding first half, powered by the creativity of Arthur Atta, while Lecce’s late push wasn’t enough to salvage a result.
Atta was the architect of Udinese’s early dominance, delivering two assists before halftime. The first came on 16 minutes when Jesper Karlstrom found space in the box to open the scoring, and the second set up Keinan Davis for a composed finish that made it 2–0.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s Lecce responded with tactical changes after the break, switching to a more aggressive shape. The move paid off when Medon Berisha’s curling free kick—helped by a misjudgment from Maduka Okoye—cut the deficit. The Udinese goalkeeper nearly compounded his error with a risky rush off his line, but the home side held firm.
Adam Buksa came off the bench to restore a two-goal cushion in the 89th minute, finishing off a counterattack started by Bayo. Lecce refused to give up, and substitute Konan N’Dri scored a spectacular goal deep into stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough.
The victory keeps Udinese within striking distance of the European spots, while Lecce’s three-game unbeaten run comes to an end.
Match Report
Serie A – Round 9
Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Udinese 3–2 Lecce
Scorers: 16′ Karlstrom (U), 37′ K. Davis (U), 59′ M. Berisha (L), 89′ Buksa (U), 90+5′ N’Dri (L)
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Goglichidze, Kabasele, Solet (60′ Bertola); Zanoli (86′ Ehizibue), Ekkelenkamp (76′ Piotrowski), Karlstrom (c), Arthur Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo (60′ Bayo), K. Davis (45′ Buksa).
Coach: Runjaic
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone (c); Danilo Veiga, K. Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Helgason (45′ N’Dri), Ramadani, M. Berisha (76′ Maleh); Pierotti (86′ Á. Sala), Stulic (66′ Camarda), Tete Morente (45′ Banda).
Coach: E. Di Francesco
Referee: Feliciani
Booked: Stulic, K. Davis, K. Gaspar, Buksa
Stadium: Bluenergy Stadium (Udine)
