Falcone shines, Edmundsson’s stoppage-time goal ruled out as both sides settle for a point on Matchday 34
Hellas Verona and Lecce played out a tense but largely uneventful 0-0 draw at the Bentegodi, a result that does little to change the outlook for either side in the Serie A relegation race on Matchday 34.
Lecce edge slightly ahead in the survival battle, moving one point clear of the drop zone following Cremonese’s heavy defeat to Napoli. Verona, meanwhile, remain in deep trouble—ten points from safety with just four games left, needing nothing short of a miracle to stay up.
The first half offered very few clear chances, though the best opportunities fell to the hosts. Lorenzo Montipò was rarely tested, while at the other end Wladimiro Falcone proved decisive with a crucial double save—first denying Belghali, then producing a sharp stop on Akpa Akpro’s follow-up effort.
The game struggled to find rhythm, with both teams lacking urgency and precision in the final third. Lecce showed flashes through Banda but failed to build sustained pressure, while Verona relied heavily on individual efforts, with Suslov unable to make a meaningful impact.
The match came alive in stoppage time. Lecce nearly stole it through Camarda, who couldn’t convert from a promising position. Moments later, Verona thought they had snatched a dramatic winner when Edmundsson found the net with a late surge into the box. However, after an on-field VAR review, referee Davide Massa disallowed the goal for a foul on Falcone, sparking controversy and sealing the stalemate.
In the end, both sides are left with a point that offers limited comfort. Lecce take a small step forward in their survival bid, while Verona’s hopes continue to fade.
Match Report
Hellas Verona 0-0 Lecce
Hellas Verona (3-5-1-1): Montipò; Nelsson, Edmundsson, Bella-Kotchap (51’ Valentini); Belghali (87’ Lirola), Akpa Akpro (62’ Sarr), Gagliardini, Bernede (87’ Vermesan), Frese; Suslov (62’ Lovric); Bowie.
Head Coach: Sammarco
Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Jean, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti (90+1’ Camarda), Gandelman (59’ Ngom), Banda (80’ N’Dri); Stulić (60’ Cheddira).
Head Coach: Di Francesco
Referee: Massa
Bookings: Coulibaly, Akpa Akpro, Ramadani, Valentini, Cheddira, N’Dri, Veiga
Red Cards: None
