On January 5, 2025, Lecce and Genoa squared off at the Stadio Via del Mare, resulting in a goalless draw, 0-0, during the 19th round of Serie A. The match showcased Lecce at home against Genoa, where both teams highlighted their struggles and defensive tactics rather than attacking prowess.
Lecce entered the match following two consecutive defeats, sitting precariously close to the relegation zone with only 17 points, placing them 18th on the table. Meanwhile, Genoa, under new management with Patrick Vieira at the helm, found themselves at 13th position, with 20 points and some comfort above the drop zone.
Despite the pressure, it was Lecce who dominated possession for the majority of the match, holding the ball for significant periods and creating more opportunities. According to reports from Sportbox, the home team had three shots on target, compared to just one attempt from Genoa. Lecce also earned nine corner kicks, showcasing their efforts to break the deadlock.
Noteworthy moments unfolded early on when Lecce's Nikola Krstovic struck the post with a powerful shot at the 22nd minute, showcasing Lecce's capacity to threaten the Genoa goal. The pressure mounted nearing halftime with two more close attempts hitting the woodwork, but failed to convert any chances.
While Lecce struggled to capitalize on their gameplay advantage, Genoa found solace defensively, only landing once on target but managing to defend well against Lecce's persistent offense. The Genoese defense, led by Matty Bani, held firm throughout, indicating the disciplined effort of the visitors under Vieira's tactics.
Each team endured numerous setbacks, as Lecce has had the league's weakest offense, scoring only 11 goals this season. This statistic echoes their struggle under pressure from relegation threats. Conversely, Genoa has been relatively stable, managing to turn around their early season form under the new coach and achieving positive results up to this matchday.
After the match, Lecce remained deep within the relegation zone, holding only 17 points, thereby requiring immediate improvement to avoid slipping through the cracks of Serie A. Genoa, comfortable at 20 points, still needed to secure their footing to avoid dropping back toward danger.
The next fixtures for both teams could prove pivotal for their aspirations this season. Genoa will face Parma on January 12, 2025, whereas Lecce will travel to confront Empoli on January 11, 2025. Both teams are poised for what could be season-defining matches as they compete not just for points, but for morale following this result.
Despite missing out on scoring, this match highlighted key defensive setups from both clubs and pointed toward the urgency for improvement, especially for Lecce, who seeks to avoid dropping out of Italy’s top flight.