Atalanta 1-1 Lecce
The match was decided from the penalty spot: Lecce took the lead with a penalty by Karlsson (29′), awarded after a handball by Hien. Later, Karlsson fouled Cuadrado, and Retegui (69′) converted a penalty to level the match.
If either Lazio or Bologna wins against Parma and Udinese respectively, Gasperini’s Atalanta will still be three points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus. Giampaolo’s Lecce moves two points clear of the relegation zone.
Atalanta slipped up in the race for a Champions League spot: on a day when many of their rivals (Fiorentina, Juventus, and Roma — with Lazio and Bologna yet to play) secured victories, the “Dea” were held to a 1-1 draw by Lecce.
The match at the Gewiss Stadium was balanced, and it was actually Lecce who started better, eager to grab crucial survival points and dedicate a victory to Graziano Fiorita. The first major chance came for the visitors: Rebic sent Coulibaly through on goal, but Carnesecchi made a great save to turn it behind for a corner.
Shortly after, the decisive moment arrived: Baschirotto’s header struck Hien’s hand, and after an on-field review, referee La Penna awarded a penalty, which Karlsson calmly converted. Conceding the goal seemed to wake Atalanta up. Pasalic forced a good save from Falcone with a left-footed shot inside the box. Lookman had the last chance of the first half but was once again denied by the visiting goalkeeper.
In the second half, Atalanta pushed forward, but it was Giampaolo’s Lecce that came closest to scoring again when Pierotti failed to finish from a Coulibaly assist. The turning point for Atalanta came when Cuadrado, one of Gasperini’s second-half substitutions, shifted the ball past Karlsson, who fouled him inside the area.
This time it was Atalanta’s turn to receive a penalty, and Retegui made no mistake from the spot to equalize. The former Genoa striker almost scored again minutes later, hitting the post with a header. Atalanta continued to press: Falcone had to save Ederson’s attempt, and shortly before stoppage time, Zappacosta fired wide with a right-footed shot.
The match ended 1-1 — a disappointing result for both teams.
If Lazio or Bologna win their upcoming games, Gasperini’s lead over fifth place will be cut to just three points.
Meanwhile, Lecce missed out on two vital points but still moved two points above Venezia and Empoli in the battle to avoid relegation.
