Gian Piero Gasperini’s men returned to the Gewiss Stadium holding three consecutive home wins in all competitions, and searched for a fourth against a Lecce side who have held both Roma and AC Milan to draws in recent weeks.
The visitors were determined to build on their 2-1 home victory against La Dea in November, and returning striker Assan Ceesay wasted no time in putting his side ahead with a stunning opener. After fighting off two Atalanta defenders, the Gambian unleashed a powerful bouncing shot from 35 yards which nestled into the bottom corner, catching out Juan Musso for his 200th goal conceded in SA.
Having scored 15 goals in their last three home matches, Atalanta abruptly turned defence into attack to try to get themselves back into the game. Visiting goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone was repeatedly tested during the first period, but the Lecce stopper stood up to the challenge, most notably ensuring Rasmus Højlund put his header just wide, and making good saves to deny both Ademola Lookman and Joakim Mæhle.
Atalanta have scored 13 goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half this season, the most of any SA side, and they began the second period as brightly as they had ended the first. Ademola Lookman had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed for an offside infringement, before Éderson fired a shot over the bar. Marco Baroni, however, had his side remarkably organised in defence, and La Dea were kept at bay. Lecce got the reward for their resilience with just their first attempt of the half, when Alexis Blin met a Gabriel Strefezza cross to head it past Musso, making it two for the Apulian side.
The hosts were given a lifeline late on when Falcone dwelled on the ball long enough that Højlund was able to close him down and deflect his kick into the empty net. The led to an incredibly nervy ending for Lecce, but they held on for a shock victory which means that they earn an unlikely double against Atalanta in SA for just the second time ever, whilst the home side will rue the chance to fortify their top-four position in a match in which they looked to be clear favourites.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Federico Baschirotto (Lecce)
