In a tense encounter, Lecce and Genoa battled to a goalless draw, with both teams hitting the woodwork but ultimately failing to secure a breakthrough. The match was crucial for both sides, who entered the game separated by just three points and under the guidance of their second coaches of the season.
Lecce, missing key players such as Andy Pelmard, Medon Berisha, Lameck Banda, and Kialonda Gaspar due to injury, welcomed back Frederic Guilbert from suspension. New signing Jesper Karlsson was also on the bench. Meanwhile, Genoa faced their own injury woes, with Caleb Ekuban, Junior Messias, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Alan Matturro, Honest Ahanor, and Ruslan Malinovskyi unavailable.
The match started with high intensity, and Lecce nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute when Nikola Krstovic unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that struck the far post after a defensive error from Koni De Winter. Genoa responded with a close call of their own when Morten Thorsby had a shot that was deflected onto the crossbar just before halftime.
Both teams continued to create chances but struggled to convert. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu forced a challenging save from Genoa’s goalkeeper Nicola Leali, while Gaby Jean made a crucial interception to deny Thorsby a tap-in from close range. As the match progressed, Lecce pushed for a winner but could not find the back of the net.
Genoa’s frustrations mounted when they were denied by the woodwork twice in quick succession. With both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities, they settled for a point each in a match that highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo (73′ Pierotti); Coulibaly, Pierret, Rafia (73′ Helgason); Dorgu, Krstovic (’84’ Rebic), Morente (84′ Karlsson)
Genoa (4-3-3): Leali; De Winter, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj (64′ Kasa), Thorsby; Vitinha (69′ Zanoli), Pinamonti, Miretti ( 46′ Miretti)
