Lazio did well to hold onto their slim lead as they secured all three points in a tough 1-0 victory over a resilient Lecce.
The Biancocelesti have been in a run of good form in recent weeks, picking up wins in their last four outings prior to the Salentini’s trip to the Stadio Olimpico. The run has taken them to the thick of the top four race and the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
Things have been far more difficult for Lecce in recent months, with Roberto D’Aversa’s side winning just once in their last 14 matches ahead of their trip to the Stadio Olimpico. Their downward spiral puts them at risk of slipping into a relegation battle later in the season.
Lazio failed to find their rhythm in the first half of proceedings in the Italian capital, only having two decent chances in the first 15 minutes, allowing Lecce to put themselves in the driving seat.
The Puglian outfit had nine shots in the first half, producing an xG of 0.62, but were unable to find a way past Ivan Provedel, letting the Biancocelesti off the hook.
Lazio looked far better in the second half, finally starting to wake up after a slow first half, and their forward ventures were eventually rewarded in the 58th minute.
Just before the hour mark, Luis Alberto broke into the penalty area and played a pass across to Felipe Anderson, who pelted the ball past Wladimiro Falcone to put the home side 1-0 up.
Lazio held on for the remainder of the match, unable to add to their lead but not losing defensive focus, confirming all three points after a tiring outing in Rome.
