Di Francesco’s side secure a massive three points on Matchday 35, sealing Pisa’s drop to Serie B with a clinical second-half display
Lecce delivered a decisive blow in the Serie A relegation battle, defeating Pisa 2-1 away from home in a result that all but secures their top-flight status while condemning the Tuscans to mathematical relegation.
After a cagey, goalless first half, the match came alive immediately after the break. Lecce struck first in the 52nd minute through Lameck Banda, who capped off a lightning-fast counterattack orchestrated by Ylber Ramadani and finished off by Walid Cheddira’s assist.
Pisa responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Mehdi Leris produced a stunning volley to level the score at 1-1, briefly reigniting hope among the home fans.
However, Lecce’s attacking efficiency proved decisive. In the 65th minute, Santiago Pierotti led another rapid transition before setting up Cheddira, who calmly slotted past Adrian Semper to restore the lead. It was the Moroccan striker’s first goal of the season—an emotional moment marked by tears as he celebrated with the traveling Lecce supporters.
From there, Lecce managed the game with composure, relying on solid defensive work and key saves from Wladimiro Falcone to preserve their advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a pivotal victory for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, while Pisa’s defeat officially sealed their return to Serie B, alongside Verona.
Match Report
Pisa 1-2 Lecce
Scorers:
52’ Banda (Lecce), 56’ Leris (Pisa), 65’ Cheddira (Lecce)
Pisa (3-5-2):
Semper; Canestrelli (81’ Cuadrado), Caracciolo, Bozhinov; Leris, Akinsanmiro (81’ Durosinmi), Aebischer, Vural (71’ Piccinini), Angori (64’ Tourè); Moreo, Stojilkovic (71’ Meister).
Head coach: Hiljemark
Lecce (4-2-3-1):
Falcone; Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly; Pierotti (93’ Gandelman), Ngom, Banda (71’ Jean); Cheddira (71’ Camarda).
Head coach: Di Francesco
Referee: Doveri
Bookings: Caracciolo (Pisa), Aebischer (Pisa), Cheddira (Lecce), Durosinmi (Pisa), Pierotti (Lecce), Meister (Pisa)
