In a thrilling encounter at the Rigamonti-Ceppi Stadium, Lecco secured a vital 1-0 victory over Giana Erminio, propelling themselves further away from the relegation zone in Serie C. The decisive moment came in the 21st minute when Leon Sipos scored his twelfth goal of the season, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination.
The match, held on March 31, 2025, kicked off at 20:30, and both teams were eager to secure points, particularly Giana Erminio, who had suffered a recent setback in the Coppa Italia. The visitors were without several key players, including Pinto, Moro, Montipò, and Ledonne, while Lecco was missing Martic due to suspension and Ferrini and Attys due to injuries. However, Grassini made a return to the squad after a month-long absence.
Right from the start, the game was electrifying. Giana Erminio nearly struck first when Previtali's long-range effort hit the crossbar just two minutes in. Shortly after, Caferri's header was saved by Lecco's goalkeeper, Furlan, who was in fine form throughout the match.
Lecco responded aggressively, and their persistence paid off in the 21st minute. A long pass from Marrone found Sipos, who expertly maneuvered past a defender before finishing with precision past Mangiapoco. The home crowd erupted with joy, knowing how crucial this goal was for their team's survival in the league.
As the first half progressed, Lecco continued to threaten with chances from Frigerio and Sipos, but Giana Erminio was not to be underestimated. They fought back, with Stuckler's header being saved by Furlan, who was proving to be a wall in front of the goal.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Giana Erminio ramped up the pressure, searching for an equalizer. Furlan's remarkable saves kept Lecco in the lead, including a stunning stop on Stuckler's attempt in the 58th minute. The tension mounted as Giana came close to leveling the match, especially in the 82nd minute when a scramble in Lecco's box saw the ball cleared off the line.
In the closing minutes, Sipos had a chance to double the lead, but Avinci's timely clearance kept Giana's hopes alive. Despite the relentless pressure from Giana, Lecco held firm, showcasing their defensive resolve and determination to secure the three points.
This victory marks a significant step for Lecco as they now sit four points clear of the relegation zone, boosting their confidence ahead of their next match against Padova on April 7, 2025. Coach Federico Valente's tactical choices, including the effective 3-5-2 formation, have begun to bear fruit, and the team will look to build on this momentum.
Furlan's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he made several key saves that kept Lecco ahead. His ability to read the game and respond to Giana's threats was crucial in maintaining the clean sheet.
As the final whistle blew, the relief and joy among the Lecco players and fans were palpable. This hard-fought victory not only boosts their chances of survival but also reaffirms their fighting spirit as they navigate the challenges of the season.
Looking ahead, the clash against Padova promises to be another test of Lecco's resolve. With Sipos in fine form and the team gaining confidence, fans will be eager to see if they can continue their push for safety in the league.
