Genoa defeated Lecce 2-1 at the Via del Mare, completing a run of three victories in seven days after wins over Venezia and Juventus. The result lifted Alberto De Rossi’s side to 13 points and 11th place in the Serie A standings.
Genoa made the difference with an excellent first half. Milutin Osmajic opened the scoring in the 11th minute, meeting a precise cross from Junior Messias and finishing past Wladimiro Falcone. Messias then doubled the lead in the 28th minute after a swift passing move involving Traorè and El Shaarawy, rounding the Lecce goalkeeper before scoring.
Lecce reduced the deficit before half-time when Youssef Maleh’s free kick took a touch off Osmajic in the wall and wrong-footed Genoa goalkeeper Bijlow. Lecce appeared to equalise shortly afterwards through Stulic, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review for handball.
The hosts pushed forward after the interval. Gallo tested Bijlow from distance, while El Shaarawy struck the outside of the post for Genoa. Lecce continued to apply pressure, but Genoa defended in an organised manner and limited the opportunities created by the home side.
Lecce remained on nine points and suffered a third consecutive defeat, their fifth loss in six matches. Their afternoon was also marked by another muscular injury, with Monteiro forced off in the second half. Genoa held on through four minutes of added time to secure the win.
Sources: ANSA Sport.