Serie A: Falcone and VAR Keep It Level in Lecce 0-0 Verona Stalemate

Lecce and Verona share goalless draw in tense Serie A

Andrias Edmundsson’s stoppage-time header for Verona ruled out by VAR in 0-0 draw at Lecce. Banda, Suslov go close in cagey Serie A clash.

VAR rules out late Edmundsson header as both sides lack cutting edge...

Lecce and Verona played out a tense 0-0 draw, with neither side able to convert promising build-up into clear chances in a game lacking quality in the final third.

The result lifts Lecce one point clear of the drop zone, while Verona are left with only four games to overturn a ten-point deficit.

Kieron Bowie and Toma Suslov returned to the Hellas squad, but Gift Orban was omitted after being filmed in a physical clash with a Verona fan. Daniel Mosquera, Suat Serdar, Daniel Oyegoke and Cheikh Niasse were out injured, though Gaby Jean came back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Lecce were without the suspended Tiago Gabriel, with Riccardo Sottil, Kialonda Gaspar, Sadik Fofana and Medon Berisha all sidelined.

The hosts started brighter, dominating possession and patiently searching for openings. Lameck Banda led their early attacking threat, testing the Verona defence twice, but saw his efforts blocked or drift wide. Verona looked to hit back on the counter, with Tomas Suslov drawing a comfortable save from Wladimiro Falcone midway through the first half.

 

Both sides produced decent build-up before the break, but clear chances were scarce. Lecce’s Nikola Stulic came closest, heading wide from a set-piece, while Verona failed to capitalize on their crossing opportunities.

 

The second half followed the same pattern, with Lecce posing the greater attacking threat. Banda was involved again, forcing a sharp save from Lorenzo Montipò with a powerful effort, while Walid Cheddira headed well wide from a good position at a corner.

  

Verona rang the changes to try to swing momentum, but their best chance fell to Rafik Belghali, whose break into the box was thwarted by Falcone’s quick reactions.

 

As the game dragged on, frustrations mounted. A flurry of fouls and bookings broke up play, with both teams lacking the composure to find a winner. Late changes, including the introduction of youngster Francesco Camarda, couldn’t alter the outcome.

Elphege's goal gives Parma all three points 👏#ParmaPisa pic.twitter.com/UBglgG2TKd

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 25, 2026

Late on, Lecce had one last chance to steal it, but Camarda’s cross drifted harmlessly past the far post.

  

Verona then thought they’d won it when a free kick into the box found Andrias Edmundsson, who powered a header home.

  

Nesta Elphege is the Panini Player of the Match 🏆👏#ParmaPisa pic.twitter.com/RHtDogwFgN

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) April 25, 2026

VAR intervened for a foul in the build-up, and the goal was ruled out.

  

Ultimately, neither side did enough to take all three points, with the draw reflecting a game defined more by effort than end product.