Lecce and Empoli: A draw that doesn’t change the fate

Lecce continues its struggling season, searching in vain for a second win. The Salento team ended in a 1-1 draw against Empoli, played at the Via del Mare. A goal by Pellegri in the first half opened the scoring for the Tuscans, while Pierotti, who replaced Banda due to injury, responded in the second half. Despite their efforts, Lecce were unable to get past the woodwork and the final result did not offer the hoped-for turning point.

A match analysis

Lecce coach Gotti chose a 4-3-3 formation with Oudin supporting the attacking trident. On the other side, D’Aversa opted for a 3-5-2 with Colombo and Pellegri in attack. The game started at a slow pace, with both teams trying to create chances without much conviction. In the 20th minute, Lecce suffered a forced substitution: Banda went out with an ankle injury and was replaced by Pierotti. Despite the Salento team’s attempts to find the goal, the first half ignited in the 33rd minute when Pellegri scored after a personal action. After a rather bland first half, the second half began with a chance for Pellegri, immediately rejected by Gaspar. Lecce attempted to react with Krstovic but to no avail. Empoli continued to exploit the counterattacks and hit the post in the 57th minute. As the game progressed, Gotti made strategic changes to his starting eleven to try to turn the result around. The entry of Coulibaly and Sansone brought new life to the team.

A thrilling ending but without victory

Lecce’s pressure finally paid off in the 77th minute, when Pierotti scored the equaliser from a precise cross from Gallo. This momentary success galvanised the Giallorossi who continued to search for victory. However, a shot from Sansone hit the crossbar in the 85th, followed by another chipped woodwork from Krstovic. Despite five minutes of injury time and constant pressure in the opponent’s half, the result did not change. This draw marks a new stage in Lecce’s crisis, with fans and the technical area increasingly contested. Looking ahead, the need for a major overhaul seems clear: both in the game and in the management of the team if a disastrous season is to be avoided.