In a first half that looked as if it was going to end goalless, a Vlasic strike five minutes from the interval gave Torino a lead at the break.
The Croatian international, who arrived on loan from West Ham United in the summer, expertly finished first time inside the penalty area, following a threaded pass from teammate Mergim Vojvoda.
Netting just once in 2021/22 for the Hammers, Vlasic has already tripled his tally from last season, yet his goal was the only highlight in an otherwise lacklustre first half.
The visitors had threatened at times, with 21-year-old Lameck Banda curling a tame strike into the hands of Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, but aside from that, the hosts’ goal was largely unchallenged.
Winners of just two home games in the calendar year, Torino’s hopes of bucking an unwanted trend were boosted by the first-half goal.
With an advantage, the hosts looked to control proceedings from the off in the second period, taking care of possession, while searching for a goal that would secure all three points.
Valentino Lazaro tried his luck from range for Torino, but the wing-back’s curling shot sailed harmlessly past the Lecce far-post.
Chances of a high-scoring affair were slim before kick-off, as all four of Lecce’s previous Serie A matches this season had been decided by a one-goal margin or less.
A disallowed Pietro Pellegri offside goal would be the closest any side came to finding the net in the second half, with Torino holding on for a victory that takes them into the top-six.
For Lecce, while the scorelines suggest they’re competing, the Salentini are still without a win during their return to Serie A.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nikola Vlasic (Torino)
For all the stats from the Torino win, check them out with Flashscore.
