Serie A: Lecce Holds Venezia to 1-1 Draw in Relegation Battle

Lecce and Venezia battle to a 1-1 draw in a crucial relegation match, with Federico Baschirotto scoring the equalizer for Lecce.

Lecce managed to come from behind and hold Venezia to a 1-1 draw, with Federico Baschirotto scoring the equalizing header. However, the point will be seen as a disappointment for both teams, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation. The match was a crucial clash between two bottom-four teams, with both sides feeling the pressure at the Stadio Via del Mare.

The visitors, Venezia, welcomed back Hans Nicolussi Caviglia from suspension, but were without several key players, including Michael Svoboda, Alfred Duncan, Mirko Maric, and Filip Stankovic. The game was marked by several long-range efforts from Ylber Ramadani, Tete Morente, and John Yeboah, while Federico Baschirotto narrowly missed opening the scoring by redirecting a set play. Despite these chances, neither team was able to find a clear breakthrough until Antonino Gallo's unfortunate own goal gave Venezia the lead.

Neither side could find a winner ⚔️#LecceVenezia ends with the points shared 🤝 pic.twitter.com/0EPk2MhmdF

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 6, 2025

Venezia took the lead after the restart when Alessio Zerbin's free kick was flashed into the six-yard box. In an attempt to anticipate Christian Gytkjaer, Antonino Gallo accidentally scored an own goal, shinming the ball into his own net. This gave Venezia a crucial advantage in the relegation battle.

However, Lecce quickly responded and equalized, again from a set play routine. This time, it was Federico Baschirotto who benefited from a defensive mistake, shrugging off his marker to nod in a corner kick and level the score. The game remained intense, with both teams creating chances. Daniel Fila had a close call when he almost pounced on a dangerous back-pass from Berisha for Wladimiro Falcone.

The match took another dramatic turn on 79 minutes when Konan N'Dri had a golden opportunity to turn the game around for Lecce. Set up by Nikola Krstovic, N'Dri's effort bounced off the inside of the near post, rolled along the face of the goal, and back out again, denying Lecce a potentially decisive lead.

Baschirotto is POTM for #LecceVenezia 🏅👏 pic.twitter.com/BYA02SUgKY

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 6, 2025

Ionut Radu made a crucial save to deny Federico Baschirotto's free header from point-blank range. The Lecce players had appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved it away, ruling that the ball had struck Fali Candé on the chest first and then ricocheted onto his arm in a natural position. This decision preserved the 1-1 deadlock.

Baschirotto played a vital role at both ends of the pitch, not only scoring Lecce's equalizing goal but also making a crucial block in stoppages to prevent Gaetano Oristanio's counter-attack from developing. His efforts helped Lecce secure a point and end a run of five consecutive defeats.

Despite the welcome respite from defeat, Lecce were met with loud jeers from the home fans at the final whistle. The fans were clearly disappointed with the team's performance, and the 1-1 draw will likely be seen as a missed opportunity for Lecce to gain a more significant advantage in the relegation battle.