Juventus ease past Lecce to end winless run

Juventus ended a run of two Serie A matches without a win with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Lecce, scoring both goals before half-time.

The result eases some of the pressure on manager Luciano Spalletti following last week’s damaging home defeat by Lazio. Juventus had reason to be confident before kick-off, with Lecce having failed to win any of their previous 12 meetings with the Bianconeri.

Juventus controlled possession from the outset but initially struggled to create a clear opening in the final third. Their breakthrough arrived after 30 minutes through a well-worked free-kick.

Douglas Luiz took the set-piece quickly, catching the Lecce defence unprepared and sending the ball over the back line. Weston McKennie was left with a straightforward finish from close range to put the visitors ahead.

The goal extended Lecce’s record of conceding in each of their four home matches this campaign. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side found it difficult to establish any sustained pressure as Juventus managed the game with increasing authority.

The visitors doubled their advantage just before the interval. Luiz, who had created the opener, collected Federico Gatti’s lay-off and struck powerfully from the edge of the penalty area.

Lecce had not managed a single shot on target in the first half, prompting Di Francesco to make two changes during the interval in an effort to revive his team.

The hosts showed greater attacking intent after the restart and tested Guglielmo Vicario twice as the hour mark approached. Neither attempt seriously troubled the Juventus goalkeeper, who dealt comfortably with both efforts.

Juventus continued to control proceedings without needing to reach top gear. Lecce were unable to turn their improved second-half showing into a sustained threat, while the Bianconeri saw out the match to claim their first league victory in three games.

Lecce’s evening ended with further frustration when Kialonda Gaspar was dismissed in second-half stoppage time after receiving a second booking.

The win lifts Spalletti’s side to seventh in the table, level on points with sixth-placed Frosinone. Lecce remain 12th and have now won only two of their past eight home matches.

Douglas Luiz was named Flashscore Man of the Match.