Lecce claimed a vital 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Cremonese on Sunday, moving three points clear of the Serie A relegation zone.
Santiago Pierotti and Nikola Stulic were on target to secure all three points for the Giallorossi in a tense home clash. Goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone also played a key role, making crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Cremonese started brightly, with Morten Thorsby sending a header wide early on. But Lecce struck first when Pierotti capitalized on Antonino Gallo’s corner and a hesitant Emil Audero to score his first goal of the season.
The lead doubled shortly after. Stulic’s shot struck Matteo Bianchetti’s arm in an unnatural position, and after a pitchside VAR review, referee Simone Sozza awarded Lecce a penalty. Stulic calmly converted to make it 2-0.
Cremonese had injury setbacks as Jamie Vardy was forced off at halftime. His replacement, Milan Djuric, immediately made an impact, assisting Andrea Bonazzoli for a goal that cut the deficit. Djuric nearly leveled the game himself with an overhead kick, only for Falcone to deny him.
Despite Lecce’s counterattacks, Cremonese pressed for an equalizer, relying on long balls to exploit Djuric’s presence in the box.
Martin Payero nearly scored late with a handball goal that VAR correctly disallowed.
In stoppage time, Falcone again denied Payero’s close-range attempt, while a potential penalty appeal for Cremonese was waved away after VAR review.
The win leaves Lecce breathing easier in the relegation battle, while Cremonese remain in a precarious position at the bottom of the table.
