Lecce’s Three First-Half Goals Secure 3-2 Win Over Monza

Lecce lead early and hold on

Lecce defeated Monza 3-2 at Via del Mare in Serie A on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The result gave Eusebio Di Francesco’s side a second consecutive home win in the match and moved them from three points after three games to six. Monza, coached by Ivan Juric, remained on one point after four rounds.

Lecce made a rapid start in the 4-3-3 formation. Lassana Coulibaly opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing an attack created by Ivan Ilić. Ilić supplied the assist again seven minutes later, when Tiago Gabriel doubled Lecce’s advantage. Monza responded through R. Mangas in the 20th minute, with S. Birindelli providing the final pass, but Lecce restored the two-goal margin almost immediately. Coulibaly struck for his second goal in the 21st minute after an assist from Danilo Veiga.

Monza controlled possession but lacked the reward

The scoreline did not reflect Monza’s larger share of the match statistics. The visitors had 61% possession, completed 486 passes compared with Lecce’s 315 and recorded 16 total shots to Lecce’s seven. Monza also registered 10 shots on goal, while Lecce had three. Their expected-goals figure was 2.74, well above Lecce’s 1.08, but Wladimiro Falcone made seven saves to protect the home side’s lead.

Lecce’s defensive work helped them withstand that pressure. The hosts committed 14 fouls to Monza’s 12 and conceded three offsides, while both teams won four corners. Monza made an early second-half change, replacing Mangas with A. Bakoune, and later introduced P. Cutrone and E. Zeballos. Lecce also changed Ndri for S. Pierotti at half-time before replacing Ilić and J. Monteiro later in the match.

Late goal creates a tense finish

Coulibaly’s second goal remained the decisive moment until the closing stages. E. Zeballos, brought on in the 64th minute for A. Colpani, reduced the deficit in the 89th minute. Monza’s late pressure set up a difficult final period for Lecce, but the home team preserved the 3-2 advantage.

Lecce received two yellow cards: K. Ndri was booked in the 38th minute and Veiga in the 90th. Monza received none. The result ended Lecce’s sequence of one win and two losses in their opening three matches, while Monza’s record became one draw and three defeats.

Coulibaly stands out for Lecce

Coulibaly was the outstanding performer, earning a match rating of 8.9. He scored twice, put both of his shots on target and made four tackles across 92 minutes. Veiga also made a substantial contribution with six tackles and an assist, while Ilić created both of Lecce’s first two goals before leaving in the 66th minute.