Lecce and Verona shared the spoils in a cagey 0-0 draw, with both sides unable to convert promising build-up play into meaningful chances in a contest lacking sharpness in the final third.
The point edges Lecce slightly further from danger, lifting them a point above the relegation zone, while Verona’s survival hopes continue to fade with just four matches remaining and a daunting 10-point gap to bridge.
Verona welcomed back Kieron Bowie and Toma Suslov to the squad, but Gift Orban was omitted following a reported altercation with a fan.
Injuries also ruled out Daniel Mosquera, Suat Serdar, Daniel Oyegoke and Cheikh Niasse, though Gaby Jean returned after a lengthy absence.
Lecce, meanwhile, were without suspended Tiago Gabriel, while Riccardo Sottil, Kialonda Gaspar, Sadik Fofana and Medon Berisha remained sidelined.
The hosts controlled early proceedings, enjoying sustained possession and patiently searching for openings.
Lameck Banda was at the heart of their attacking play, but his efforts either failed to test the goalkeeper or were comfortably dealt with. Verona looked more threatening on the counter, with Suslov drawing a straightforward save from Wladimiro Falcone.
Chances remained scarce before the break. Nikola Stulic came closest for Lecce, heading wide from a set-piece, while Verona’s delivery into the box lacked the precision needed to trouble the defence.
After the restart, Lecce continued to show greater attacking intent. Banda forced a strong save from Lorenzo Montipò with a powerful attempt, while Walid Cheddira missed the target with a free header from a corner.
Verona attempted to inject urgency with a series of substitutions, and nearly found a breakthrough when Rafik Belghali burst into the area, only to be denied by Falcone’s quick reflexes.
As the match wore on, the tempo dropped amid frequent fouls and bookings, disrupting any rhythm. Late changes, including the introduction of young striker Francesco Camarda, failed to provide the cutting edge both sides desperately needed.
There was late drama when Verona thought they had snatched a winner, as Andrias Edmundsson powered in a header from a set-piece
However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review that spotted a foul in the build-up.
In the end, neither team could find a decisive moment, settling for a stalemate that underlined their struggles in front of goal.
