Serie A: Lecce Hold Off Empoli to Secure 3-1 Victory

Find out how Lecce secured a vital 3-1 victory over Empoli, moving them clear of the relegation zone.

Nikola Krstovic's impressive brace helped Lecce secure a vital 3-1 away victory over Empoli, dragging the Tuscans back into the relegation zone. This win could have significant implications in the battle to avoid the drop.

Empoli were severely depleted due to injuries, missing key players Ola Solbakken, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, Pietro Pellegri, and Tyronne Ebuehi. This lengthy absentee list severely impacted their performance, as they struggled to cope with Lecce's attacking pressure.

Despite having an even longer injury list, including Andy Pelmard, Antonino Gallo, Medon Berisha, Hamza Rafia, Kialonda Gaspar, and Lameck Banda, Lecce took the lead through Tete Morente. Santiago Pierotti won the ball back in midfield and initiated a move that ultimately led to Morente firing home.

Lecce doubled their advantage when Nikola Krstovic smashed in a half-volley from a Tete Morente throw-in. The Empoli defense was caught off guard, allowing Krstovic to score his first goal of the match. This clinical finish showcased Krstovic's attacking prowess.

Jacopo Seghetti made two critical saves to prevent Lecce from extending their lead. First, he expertly denied Thorir Helgason's low-driven shot with a one-handed save. Seghetti then thwarted Nikola Krstovic's one-on-one opportunity, but the play came at a cost, as Ardian Ismajli suffered a muscular injury and was forced to exit the game.

Empoli generated several scoring chances, but were unable to capitalize. Alberto Grassi acrobatically met Sebastiano Esposito's cross from the left, but turned it wide of the near post. Saba Goglichidze blocked Krstovic's effort, and Seghetti intercepted a dangerous Helgason cross intended for Krstovic.

Empoli scored immediately after the restart, with Emmanuel Gyasi nodding down Youssouf Maleh's cross for Liberato Cacace to head home at the back post. They continued to push for an equalizer, with Esposito's glancing header going wide on a short corner. Cacace then had a tap-in opportunity on Giuseppe Pezzella's pull-back, but shot straight at Wladimiro Falcone from seven yards.

Sebastiano Esposito remained a threat to Lecce's goal, ballooning another Cacace cross over the bar. He then forced Falcone into a save at the near post after cutting inside from the right. Esposito's persistent efforts kept Lecce's defense on high alert.

Lecce get a vital three points thanks to goals from Morente and Krstović 3⃣💥#EmpoliLecce pic.twitter.com/TFGI13FQyN

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 11, 2025

Lecce withstood Empoli's intense pressure and delivered a decisive blow in stoppage time. Patrick Dorgu sprinted onto a long ball from Ramadani, pulled it back, and set up Nikola Krstovic for a stunning left-footed strike. Krstovic's scorcher from the edge of the area found the far top corner, securing a 3-1 victory for Lecce.