In a bittersweet finale to their Serie C season, Calcio Lecco fell to Atalanta U23 with a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Rigamonti-Ceppi stadium. The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Vavassori found the back of the net, sealing the victory for the visitors.
The match was marked by a celebratory atmosphere as fans gathered to honor Checco Lepore, a beloved figure in Lecco's football history. Before kickoff, a minute of silence was observed for Pope Francis, setting a respectful tone for the encounter.
Lecco, having secured their safety in the league a couple of weeks prior, approached the game with a sense of relief, albeit with a lineup that featured several younger players and less experienced faces. Coach Federico Valente opted for a mix of regulars and newcomers, including the debut of Di Bitonto and Anastasini, which added a layer of excitement to the match.
The first half saw Lecco making early attempts to assert themselves, with Anderson and Kristoffersen testing Atalanta's goalkeeper Vismara. Both players had shots saved within the first ten minutes, indicating Lecco's determination to end the season on a high note.
However, as the game progressed, Atalanta began to dominate possession and create more significant chances. The first real threat from the visitors came in the 29th minute when Cassa's header from a corner went just wide. This was followed by a close call for Lecco when Vavassori struck the post after a well-crafted move involving Cassa.
Despite Lecco's spirited start, the first half ended without any goals, and the home side faced an uphill battle as Atalanta grew in confidence. The second half saw a continuation of this trend, with Lecco struggling to maintain their early momentum.
In a pivotal moment, Lecco's goalkeeper Fall had to be substituted in the 62nd minute due to cramps, bringing Dalmasso onto the field. This change would soon prove critical as Atalanta capitalized on the shift in momentum. Just eight minutes later, Vavassori scored the only goal of the match, turning a seemingly innocuous pass from Ghislandi into a decisive strike that pierced Lecco's defense.
Lecco pushed hard for an equalizer in the dying minutes, with Zanellato coming close twice in stoppage time. His first effort, a header, narrowly missed the target, and moments later, his powerful shot was deflected for a corner by Vismara. Despite their efforts, the home side could not find the breakthrough they desperately sought.
The match concluded with Lecco finishing their season in thirteenth place, having collected 43 points over the course of the campaign. The defeat marked a disappointing end to a challenging season that had seen the team navigate through multiple coaching changes and inconsistent performances.
As the players left the pitch, the fans remained supportive, recognizing the efforts of the team throughout the season. With a mixture of hope and uncertainty, Lecco now looks to the future, aiming to build on their survival and improve in the coming season.
The final score at the Rigamonti-Ceppi was Lecco 0, Atalanta U23 1.
Match Details:
Final Score: Lecco 0 - 1 Atalanta U23
Goal Scorer: Vavassori (70')
Lecco Lineup: Fall (17' st Dalmasso); Polito, Marrone, Stanga; Grassini (28' st Di Bitonto), Anderson, Zanellato, Cavallini (28' st Anastasini); Mendoza (1' st Attys); Kristoffersen (17' st Sene), Sipos.
Atalanta U23 Lineup: Vismara; Del Lungo, Obric, Ceresoli; Bergonzi, Pounga, Ghislandi, Bernasconi (35' Navarro); Scheffer, Cassa (22' st Lonardo, 48' st Alessio); Vavassori (48' st Artesani).
Referee: Gianmarco Vailati
Attendance: 3,500
