US Lecce strengthened their bid to avoid relegation from Serie A with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pisa, a result which confirmed the hosts’ drop to the second tier.
Zambia international Lameck Banda was on the scoresheet with a fine strike as Lecce produced a decisive second-half display in a match carrying major implications at the bottom of the table.
After a first half largely controlled by Pisa, the visitors struck soon after the restart. Banda broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, finishing a swift attacking move with a powerful left-footed effort.
Pisa responded almost immediately, drawing level four minutes later through Mehdi Léris, whose well-taken effort reignited hopes of survival for the home side.
But Lecce regained their composure and restored their lead in the 65th minute. Walid Cheddira applied the finishing touch from close range following impressive build-up play by Santiago Pierotti.
Pisa pressed for a late equaliser, but Lecce’s defence stood firm to secure a potentially decisive three points in their fight to remain in the top flight.
The result leaves Pisa rooted to the bottom of the table and mathematically relegated, while Lecce move to 32 points — four clear of the drop zone with three matches remaining.
Banda, who has now registered seven goal contributions this season (four goals and three assists), was substituted in the 71st minute after appearing to pick up a knock, with Lecce hoping the injury is not serious ahead of the run-in.
