Having won his previous three Serie A games against Lecce, Jose Mourinho failed to win a top-flight game against the side from Puglia for the first time in his career, as Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Stadio Via del Mare in this battle of ‘Lupi’ and ‘Lupa’.
Antonino Gallo forced Rui Patrício to tip his strike from distance over the bar, and from the subsequent corner, Federico Baschirotto’s header bounced off Roger Ibañez, who unknowingly deflected the ball into his own net to give Lecce hope of recording just a third win in 34 top-flight H2Hs.
A response was to be expected from Roma, and Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone reacted well to thwart Stephan El Shaarawy from point-blank range soon after, but the feeling of minor elation from that heroic save was not to last long.
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The hosts’ lead may have lasted less than 10 minutes, but Lecce could still consider themselves fortunate to go into HT on level terms, after a couple of fine saves from Falcone before the break, with the reliable custodian denying Tammy Abraham on both occasions.
That set the scene for a tense second half, and the Lecce goalkeeper continued to frustrate Roma’s number nine after the restart, pushing a downward header from Abraham onto the post.
With this battle of wolves ending level, Lecce currently sit in 14th place, while Roma creep up to third for the time being.
