Udinese secured a crucial 1-0 win against Lecce at the Dacia Arena, catapulting them back to second place in the Serie A standings. The match was decided by a spectacular free-kick from Jordan Zemura in the 75th minute, which proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The home team’s manager, Luca Gotti, made minimal changes to his lineup despite a heavy defeat to Milan in their previous outing. In contrast, Lecce’s Kosta Runjaic opted for four alterations to his starting eleven.
The first half was an engaging affair, with both teams creating several opportunities. Udinese’s Christian Kabasele tested Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone early on, while Lorenzo Lucca narrowly missed the target with a follow-up attempt. Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic also threatened with a long-range volley, but Maduka Okoye in the Udinese goal was equal to the task.
As the match progressed, Udinese continued to apply pressure. Kabasele came close again with a header that required a scrambling save, and Pier Zarraga was unlucky to see his long-range effort strike the post.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute when Zemura stepped up to take a free-kick from 25 yards out. The midfielder expertly curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Falcone with no chance.
This victory sees Udinese climb to second place in Serie A, now sitting just three points behind league leaders Napoli. The team will be closely watching the Inter vs. Torino match, hoping for a draw that would allow them to maintain their position overnight.
Goals: Zemura (U) 76′.
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Tourè; Ehizibue (67′ Kamara), Zarraga, Karlstorm, Ekkelenkamp, Zemura (95′ Abankwah); Brenner (dal 46′ Davis), Lucca.
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert (79′ Morente), Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Pierret (63′ Rafia), Ramadani (79′ Oudin), Coulibaly; Rebic (63′ Pierotti), Krstovic, Dorgu.
