Lecce secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, ending their goal drought and winless streak in dramatic fashion. The match was marked by controversial decisions and two red cards for Verona.
Patrick Dorgu emerged as the hero for Lecce, scoring the decisive goal after several disallowed attempts. His header from Lameck Banda’s cross initially raised offside concerns, but VAR confirmed the goal’s validity, much to Dorgu’s relief.
The game took a turn in Lecce’s favor when Verona’s Jackson Tchatchoua received a red card for a foul on Dorgu outside the box. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Verona continued to threaten, with Toma Suslov forcing a save from the Lecce goalkeeper.
Lecce had earlier opportunities, including Kialonda Gaspar’s header that struck the post and two disallowed goals for Dorgu due to a foul and offside.
The match ended in further frustration for Verona as Reda Belahyane was sent off in the closing stages for dissent, leaving them with nine men.
This victory was crucial for Lecce, who had been struggling with four consecutive defeats and a goal drought lasting over 400 minutes. The win provides a much-needed boost for the team, while Verona will rue their disciplinary issues that contributed to their defeat.
Goals: Dorgu 51 (L)
Sent off: Tchatchoua 40 (V), Belayhane 82 (V)
Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Guilbert (63′ Pierotti), Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly (86′ Oudin), Ramadani; Dorgu, Rafia (63′ Pierret), Banda (73′ Tete Morente); Krstovic (86′ Rebic).
Verona (4-3-2-1): Perilli; Daniliuc (84′ Magnani), Coppola, Ghilardi, Tchatchoua; Serdar (65′ Lambourde), Belahyane, Duda; Suslov (84′ Dani Silva), Lazovic (65′ Bradaric); Tengstedt (53′ Mosquera).
