Lecce have given themselves a major boost in their fight for Serie A survival, increasing the relegation fears for Cremonese. Cremonese are alive only in the second half but unable to recover from a poor first half. The coach of Cremonese, Davide Nicola, is under observation. It is probable that he will be in charge for the match against Fiorentina, but the next hours will be critical. Pierotti and Stulic scored for Lecce, with Falcone also making a save to deny Pajero a late equaliser.
Lecce’s Attacking Four Make the Difference
Di Francesco started Ngom in midfield, alongside Pierotti, Coulibaly and Banda behind Stulic. Nicola was without Baschirotto and Terracciano in defence. Both sides started cautiously. Lecce pushed forward more, although Cremonese initially threatened Falcone’s goal. A Thorsby header went just wide. Vardy and Bonazzoli struggled to get into the game, with too much distance between them and the rest of the team.
Individual battles proved decisive. Lecce took the lead in the 22nd minute when Pierotti headed in a Gallo corner, capitalising on errors from Bianchetti, Folino, and Audero. Cremonese’s response was weak. Vardy missed a chance after a Maleh pass, but he was offside. Lecce then extended their lead when Pierotti crossed for Stulic, whose shot was handled by Bianchetti. Stulic converted the resulting penalty, sending Audero the wrong way. Lecce continued to press, while Cremonese struggled.
Cremonese’s Second-Half Response
Nicola made changes at half-time, bringing on Djuric, Zerbin and Payero and switching to a four-man defence. The change had an immediate impact. Djuric headed the ball on for Bonazzoli, who scored to reduce the deficit. Cremonese gained momentum, trying to attack down the flanks. Falcone saved a Djuric overhead kick. Cremonese pushed forward, bringing on Okereke. Luperto made a good intervention to deny Banda, and Cheddira was close to getting on the end of a cross. Di Francesco brought on Gandelman, switching to a 5-3-1-1 formation. Payero scored what he thought was an equaliser in the final minute.
- Pierotti scored the opening goal for Lecce.
- Stulic converted a penalty to double Lecce’s lead.
- Bonazzoli scored for Cremonese early in the second half.
Cremonese now face a crucial match against Fiorentina.