Serie A: Lecce Edge Cremonese 2-1, Move Clear of Relegation Zone

Lecce secure crucial 2-1 win over Cremonese

Lecce beat Cremonese 2-1, moving 3 points above relegation zone in Serie A. Stulic penalty and Pierotti goal secure crucial win for Lecce vs Cremonese.

Lecce win 2-1 vs Cremonese, Djuric inspires late push but Falcone saves the day...

Lecce beat Cremonese 2-1, moving three points above the relegation zone.

Santiago Pierotti and Nikola Stulic scored as Lecce won at home, putting distance between them and Cremonese in Serie A. Goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone played a big role in the win. 

Cremonese’s Morten Thorsby had the first chance in the game, but sent his header wide.

Just a few minutes later, Pierotti scored his first goal this season, making the most of Antonino Gallo’s corner kick from the right and Emil Audero’s poor decision to come out.

Lecce quickly extended their lead after Matteo Bianchetti deflected Stulic's shot with his arm in an unnatural position. Referee Simone Sozza initially awarded a corner kick but reviewed the incident via VAR and changed it to a penalty kick.

Stulic converted the penalty, sending Audero the wrong way to double Lecce's lead.

Lecce dominated the first half, limiting Cremonese's chances and dealing a blow with Jamie Vardy's injury. The England striker picked up a knock and was subbed at halftime. 

The penalty turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Cremonese. Milan Djuric, Vardy's replacement, immediately contributed to their goal, using his body to shield the defender and head the ball to Bonazzoli.

Bonazzoli made a late run, beat Falcone, and scored his first goal since December 7, giving Cremonese hope.

Lecce take all three points at home! 👏#LecceCremonese pic.twitter.com/kKOZq2wPLk

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 8, 2026

Djuric continued to make his presence felt inside the box and had a chance to score with an overhead kick saved by Wladimiro Falcone.

Spaces opened up for Lecce on the counterattack, and despite Lameck Banda’s pace down the left, the Giallorossi failed to create many goal-scoring opportunities.

Cremonese relied on long balls to Djuric to trouble Lecce.

Emil Audero made a save from Ylber Ramadani's long-range shot, partially redeeming himself.

Cremonese midfielder Martin Payero accidentally sent the ball into the net with his right arm in the dying minutes. The referee initially confirmed the goal, but a VAR check led to it being disallowed.

Payero had another big chance to level the score in stoppage time, but Falcone made an impressive save from point-blank range. 

Santiago Pierotti is the Panini Player of Match! 🏆#LecceCremonese pic.twitter.com/NMuuINOUT8

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 8, 2026

Tension skyrocketed in the final minute as Cremonese demanded a penalty for a possible foul on Antonio Sanabria. He was clear in front of Falcone after a header by Djuric and a bounce at the edge of the box.

Referee Sozza waved play on, and VAR confirmed his decision, sparking Lecce's celebrations