Lecce strike twice before halftime and hold off Cremonese’s comeback attempt to claim vital points on Matchday 28.
US Lecce secured a vital 2-1 victory over US Cremonese at the Stadio Via del Mare on Matchday 27 of Serie A.
The result gives Lecce a crucial boost in the relegation battle, moving them three points clear of the drop zone — currently occupied by Cremonese — while deepening the visitors’ struggles after collecting just one point in their last five matches.
Lecce Take Control Before the Break
The home side built their advantage during a dominant first half.
In the 22nd minute, Santiago Pierotti broke the deadlock with a well-timed run into the box, meeting Antonino Gallo’s cross and finishing confidently for his first goal of the season.
Seven minutes before halftime, Lecce doubled their lead. Pierotti again played a key role, delivering the ball toward Nikola Stulic whose shot struck Bianchetti’s arm. After a VAR review, referee Simone Sozza awarded a penalty.
Stulic stepped up and calmly sent Emil Audero the wrong way, making it 2-0.
Bonazzoli Sparks Hope
Cremonese returned from halftime with renewed intensity after a triple substitution by head coach Davide Nicola.
The change paid off immediately. Substitute Milan Djuric threaded a clever pass into the box, allowing Federico Bonazzoli to fire past Wladimiro Falcone in the 47th minute.
Moments later, Djuric nearly equalized with an acrobatic overhead attempt, but Falcone reacted quickly to keep Lecce ahead.
Falcone Secures the Points
As the match progressed, Lecce shifted into a defensive posture, looking to protect their lead while relying on quick counterattacks — particularly through the lively Banda.
Cremonese thought they had equalized in the 88th minute through Payero, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review due to an accidental handball.
The drama continued in stoppage time when Falcone produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny both Payero and Bonazzoli.
Cremonese also appealed for a late penalty after contact between Jean and Sanabria, but the referee waved play on.
Lecce ultimately held firm, securing three invaluable points in their fight for survival.
Match Report
Lecce 2-1 Cremonese
Scorers:
22’ Pierotti (Lecce)
38’ Stulic (Lecce, pen.)
47’ Bonazzoli (Cremonese)
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly (89’ Fofana), Ramadani, Ngom; Pierotti (79’ Jean), Stulic (66’ Cheddira), Banda (78’ Gandelman).
Head Coach: Di Francesco
Cremonese (3-5-2): Audero; Bianchetti, Folino, Luperto; Barbieri (46’ Zerbin), Vandeputte (46’ Payero), Thorsby (62’ Okereke), Maleh, Pezzella (74’ Sanabria); Bonazzoli, Vardy (46’ Djuric).
Head Coach: Nicola
Referee: Sozza
Bookings: Bianchetti (Cremonese), Siebert (Lecce), Djuric (Cremonese)
Sent Off: Pezzella (Cremonese)
