Intro
Lecce end losing run with late equaliser against Fiorentina in Serie A clash
Lecce
Relegation-threatened Lecce ended their losing streak in Serie A with a crucial 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, earning a valuable point in their fight to stay in Italy’s top flight.
Fiorentina appeared on course for victory after English winger Jack Harrison scored his first Serie A goal since joining the club, producing a superb curling finish from the edge of the box midway through the first half.
The on-loan Leeds United forward struck with precision into the far corner, breaking his long wait for a goal in his 18th appearance and giving Fiorentina control of the contest.
Lecce, however, showed resilience despite a difficult run of form that had seen them go 357 minutes without scoring before this fixture.
The hosts created several promising chances, with Walid Cheddira and Lassana Coulibaly both going close, only to be denied by last-ditch Fiorentina defending.
The turning point came in the 71st minute when Tiago Gabriel rose highest to meet an Antonino Gallo corner, directing a glancing header past the goalkeeper to bring Lecce level.
The equaliser sparked renewed energy in the home side as they pushed for a winner, though Fiorentina managed to hold firm in the closing stages to secure a share of the points.
Lecce avoided what would have been a fifth consecutive defeat, a result that significantly boosts morale in their relegation battle.
The draw lifts Lecce to 28 points, level with Cremonese, who sit just above the relegation zone, with only the bottom three teams dropping at the end of the season.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, remain in 15th place, eight points clear of danger, and extended their unbeaten league run to six matches despite missing the chance to secure a third straight win.
The result reflects Lecce’s fighting spirit as they continue to battle for survival in a tightly contested relegation race, where every point is proving crucial in determining their Serie A future heading into the final stretch of the campaign.