Lecce secured their first points of the Serie A season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Via del Mare. Nikola Krstovic’s first-half goal proved decisive as the hosts held on despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.
The Salentini, who had suffered heavy defeats in their opening two matches, showed resilience and determination to overcome the numerical disadvantage. New signing Frederic Guilbert made an immediate impact, starting for Lecce in his debut appearance.
Krstovic, who had earlier squandered a golden opportunity, redeemed himself by scoring the only goal of the match. The striker expertly anticipated his marker to tap in from close range following a corner kick routine.
The game’s turning point came on the stroke of half-time when Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu received a red card for a reckless challenge on Matteo Prati. Despite the setback, Roberto D’Aversa’s men displayed remarkable defensive organization to keep Cagliari at bay.
Cagliari pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, with Paulo Azzi and Zito Luvumbo coming close. However, Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone proved to be the hero, making crucial saves to preserve his team’s lead.
The win lifts Lecce off the bottom of the table and provides a much-needed boost to their campaign. For Cagliari, the result extends their winless start to the season, having drawn their previous two matches against Roma and Como.
Goals: Krstovic 26 (L)
Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Guilbert (75′ Jean), Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret (75′ Pierotti); Dorgu, Oudin (56′ Tete Morente), Banda (75′ Coulibaly); Krstovic (94′ Rebic)
Cagliari (3-5-2): Scuffet; Zappa (46′ Palomino), Mina, Luperto; Azzi (68′ Felici), Deiola (68′ Viola), Prati (46′ Lapadula), Marin, Augello; Luvumbo, Piccoli (82′ Pavoletti).
