Dusan Vlahovic’s goal, scored just 12 seconds into the match, was sufficient for Juventus to secure a vital three points away at Lecce. The Bianconeri had two further goals disallowed during the game.
This was a significant fixture for both sides. Lecce, aiming to maintain a four-point lead over Cremonese, sought to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Juventus needed a win to bolster their pursuit of a fourth-place finish, especially after a surprising 1-1 draw against Verona in their previous outing.
Dusan Vlahovic made his return to the starting lineup for the first time since November 2025, with Kenan Yildiz also recovering from a knock. Juan Cabal and Arek Milik were unavailable due to injury. Lecce, despite missing Riccardo Sottil, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, and Sadik Fofana, were on an unbeaten streak of three matches. In honor of Mother’s Day, the home team sported special jerseys featuring their mothers’ names on the back.
The start to the match was truly remarkable. Within just 12 seconds, Vlahovic controlled a cross from Andrea Cambiaso on the left, turned past three defenders, and fired the ball into the net from close range.
Lecce responded quickly. Walid Cheddira’s first-time strike from a Lameck Banda pull-back forced a crucial save from Michele Di Gregorio. At the other end, Francisco Conceicao hit the inside of the far post from a tight angle.
In the opening six minutes, Vlahovic also had an angled shot saved by Wladimiro Falcone’s legs at the near post.
Juventus should have doubled their lead later in the half when Vlahovic drove into the box but opted to shoot wide instead of passing when he had the opportunity.
Shortly after halftime, Juventus found the net again. Falcone initially parried a shot from Cambiaso, and Vlahovic’s rebound was eventually scored. However, VAR confirmed an offside position, disallowing the goal.
Lecce failed to capitalize on a chance when Santiago Pierotti broke free down the by-line and pulled the ball back, but Cheddira’s finish was off target.
Another Juventus goal was ruled out for offside, this time with Vlahovic deemed to be interfering with play from a Jamal Siebert clearance. Then, on the hour mark, Pierre Kalulu tapped in a low cross from Cambiaso from close range.
Danilo Veiga was forced off injured, and Kenan Yildiz shot wide. Vlahovic’s immediate effort was blocked, and another attempt from the Serbian flew over the bar after a lay-off from McKennie.
Substitute Konan N’Dri dispossessed Lloyd Kelly and his shot grazed the near post. Di Gregorio then struggled to parry a long-range shot from Pierotti.
In stoppage time, Falcone made a double save, first denying Jeremie Boga’s attempted lob and then saving the follow-up from Edon Zhegrova.
Lecce 0-1 Juventus
Vlahovic 1′ (J)