Serie A: Lecce Secures Vital Point Against Atalanta

Atalanta and Lecce battle to a 1-1 draw in Serie A, with Mateo Retegui scoring a penalty for the home side. Get the highlights and reaction.

Atalanta's pursuit of a top-four finish got a boost after Mateo Retegui's penalty kick helped salvage a 1-1 draw against Lecce at the Gewiss Stadium. Lecce had taken the lead through Jesper Karlsson's penalty but Retegui's clinical finish earned Atalanta a point.

The draw moved Lecce two points clear of the relegation zone, although the visitors remain without a win in 11 matches. Atalanta, who had their title aspirations dashed earlier in the season, not focus on securing a top-four spot.

The match started quietly, with both teams neutralizing each other's attacks and little notable action. The game came alive in the 27th minute when Lassana Coulibaly broke through but was denied by Marco Carnesecchi.

Shortly after, a VAR-reviewed penalty was awarded to Lecce after Isak Hien was deemed to have fouled Ante Rebic in the box. Jesper Karlsson scored the penalty, giving Lecce their first lead in a game since their 3-2 loss to AC Milan nearly two months prior.

A goal and point apiece in #AtalantaLecce ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/JS20V0CMbI

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 27, 2025

After falling behind, Atalanta intensified their attack, peppering the Lecce goal with shots. Wladimiro Falcone made crucial saves to deny Mario Pasalic and Davide Zappacosta, keeping Lecce ahead at halftime.

Gian Piero Gasperini's introduction of Juan Cuadrado injected pace into Atalanta's attack, and the hosts dominated the early stages of the second half. Their persistence paid off when Cuadrado was fouled in the box, and Mateo Retegui scored the equalizing penalty.

Atalanta pushed hard for a second goal, with Mateo Retegui hitting the post with a header, narrowly missing his 25th league goal. Marten de Roon also had a chance, but his shot was saved comfortably by Wladimiro Falcone.

Lecce defended resolutely, absorbing Atalanta's pressure and looking to catch them on the counter. However, neither team could find the winner, resulting in a draw—the first in eight head-to-head meetings between the two sides.