Series A
6:45 p.mMay 17, 2026
Regular season – 37
MAPEI Stadium – Tricolor City
Referee: Federico La Penna, Italy
Sassuolo
Lecce
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.83
Expected Goals (xG)
0.62
-0.27
Prevented goals
-0.27
Passing by
529 (87%)
Accurate passes
133 (68%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Stefano Turati
6.6
d
Ulysses Garcia
82′ d
Tarik Muharemović
77′ roughd
Pedro Felipe
20′
25
d
That Coulibaly
6.2
90
M
Ismael Kone
7.2
18
M
Nemanja Matic
6.6
42
M
Kristian Thorstvedt
6.6
F
Armand Laurent
20′
8
F
Maybe Love
6.2
10
F
Domenico Berardi (C)
7.2
trainer
Eusebio Di Francesco
Serie A classification – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – Serie B
Lecce secured a dramatic 3-2 victory at Sassuolo, with Nicolò Stulic’s stoppage-time goal securing an unlikely away win despite the home side dominating possession.
Lecce arrived at the MAPEI Stadium in 17th place in Serie A, desperate for points to move away from the relegation zone. Sassuolo, 11th with 49 points, tried to maintain their position in mid-table. The stage was set for a clash of contrasting styles and ambitions.
Walid Cheddira opened the scoring in the 14th minute, firing Lecce in front with a clinical finish. Sassuolo responded quickly, with Armand Laurienté leveling the game just six minutes later in the 20th minute. The momentum returned to Lecce immediately afterwards as Cheddira struck again in the 25th minute to restore the visitors’ lead.
Cheddira’s brace made him the standout performer in the early stages. The forward has completed three shots on goal from three attempts, terrorizing Sassuolo’s defense with smart movement and a powerful finish.
Sassuolo controlled possession in the first half, completing 87% of their passes with 610 total attempts. However, his dominance on the ball did not translate into clear chances. The home side generated just 1.83 expected goals, indicating a lack of quality in the final third.
In the second half, Sassuolo stepped up the pressure, but Lecce’s compact defensive shape held firm. Lecce’s disciplined approach frustrated the hosts, who struggled to break down their visitors despite 74% possession.
Andrea Pinamonti came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact in the 82nd minute, leveling the score at 2-2. The goal sparked new hope for Sassuolo, who sensed an opportunity to snatch victory.
However, Lecce refused to give up. In the 90th minute plus six seconds, Stulic fired home a stunning late winner, sending the traveling fans into raptures. The goal came with Lecce’s eighth corner, which has shown its ability to take advantage of opportunities.
Sassuolo dominated the stats but paid the price for their inefficiency. They have attempted 13 shots with five on target, while Lecce have managed just nine shots with five on target. The Lecce goalkeeper made three crucial saves to preserve the victory.
The result brings Lecce up to 35 points, moving away from the immediate danger zone. Sassuolo’s defeat leaves them on 49 points, their mid-table position now under threat after this disappointing performance at home.
This win is vital to Lecce’s survival hopes, while Sassuolo must regroup quickly to avoid dropping further.
