Serie A: Vlahovic Strikes in 12 Seconds as Juventus Edge Lecce

VAR denies Juve twice as Vlahovic’s early goal sinks Lecce

  

Juventus beat Lecce 1-0 thanks to Vlahovic’s record-quick opener, but had to withstand late pressure and two disallowed goals to take the points.

A lightning early goal from Dusan Vlahovic secured three points for Juventus, who saw two further efforts disallowed in a tense clash at Lecce...

Dusan Vlahovic found the net after just 12 seconds, and that strike was enough for Juventus to secure three crucial points at Lecce, even with two additional goals ruled out.

It was a high-stakes game for both clubs. Lecce were battling to stay above the relegation zone after stretching their lead over Cremonese to four points, while Juventus were under pressure to keep hold of fourth following an unexpected 1-1 draw with Verona.

Vlahovic made his first start since November 2025, joining a lineup that also welcomed back Kenan Yildiz from a knock. Juan Cabal and Arek Milik remained sidelined. Lecce came in unbeaten in three games despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar and Sadik Fofana. For Mother’s Day, the hosts paid tribute by wearing jerseys with their mothers’ names on the back.

The match got off to a stunning start when Vlahovic controlled Andrea Cambiaso’s cross from the left within 12 seconds, spun between three defenders and smashed it into the roof of the net from seven yards out.

Lecce hit back right away. Walid Cheddira met Lameck Banda’s cutback with a first-time shot that forced a sharp reflex save from Michele Di Gregorio. At the other end, Francisco Conceicao struck the inside of the far post from a tight angle.

Vlahovic also had an effort blocked by Wladimiro Falcone’s legs at the near post, with all of that action packed into the first six minutes.

Juventus should have made it 2-0 later in the half when Vlahovic powered into the box. Instead of squaring to a teammate, he took the shot himself and dragged it wide.

Juventus thought they’d doubled their lead right after half-time when Falcone stopped Cambiaso’s shot and Vlahovic’s initial rebound. Vlahovic finally scored at the third attempt, but VAR ruled him offside and disallowed the goal.

The night belongs to Juventus! ⚡️⚫️⚪️#LecceJuve pic.twitter.com/BRnSPyXmo8

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 9, 2026

Juventus had another goal chalked off for Vlahovic offside. He was judged to be interfering with play as Jamal Siebert cleared, right before Pierre Kalulu turned in Cambiaso’s low cross from six yards around the 60th minute.

Danilo Veiga left the field with an injury and Kenan Yildiz fired wide. Vlahovic also saw a first-time shot blocked, and later blazed over after a Weston McKennie lay-off.

Konan N’Dri was brought on and pounced on a loose pass from Kelly as he tried to play out from the back. N’Dri’s shot skimmed the near post. Moments later, Di Gregorio had trouble dealing with a swerving long-range strike from Pierotti, managing only to parry it.

Dusan Vlahovic is the Panini Player of the Match! 🏆#LecceJuve pic.twitter.com/skWwKQcatg

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 9, 2026

In stoppage time, Falcone pulled off a double save, first denying Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob and then getting back up to stop Edon Zhegrova’s follow-up.