Lecce 1-1 Inter: Second straight Serie A draw frustrates Nerazzurri

Alessandro Bastoni's first Inter goal was not enough to see off Lecce, who battled to a draw, ending its four-match losing run in Serie A.

Published : Jan 19, 2020 22:20 IST

Lecce players celebrate their goal against Inter Milan.
Lecce players celebrate their goal against Inter Milan.
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Lecce players celebrate their goal against Inter Milan.

Inter Milan was held for the second consecutive Serie A match as a 1-1 draw at Lecce handed reigning champion Juventus an unexpected boost in the title race.

Antonio Conte's men started 2020 with an impressive defeat of Napoli, but they only took a point against Atalanta last week and again failed to register a victory on Sunday.

It had briefly appeared as though 20-year-old defender Alessandro Bastoni would prove the unlikely hero when he headed in the opener - his first goal for the club - three minutes after arriving from the bench.

However, Lecce captain Marco Mancosu steered past Samir Handanovic with 13 minutes remaining, meaning Juve can go four points clear at the summit by beating Parma later in the day.

Inter made a bright start but Mancosu was guilty of a glaring miss with seven minutes on the clock, blazing over after reaching Khouma Babacar's stooping header uncontested at the far post.

The busy Romelu Lukaku saw an opener ruled out for a foul and then teed up Marcelo Brozovic, whose curling effort wrongfooted Gabriel but bounced away off the right-hand post.

Lecce was frustrated in the final moments of the first half when a penalty decision in its favour was overturned, referee Piero Giacomelli visiting the pitchside monitor before deciding Stefano Sensi's arm was in a natural position at his side as he handled in the area.

An open, entertaining spell following the interval was punctuated only by routine stops at either end and Inter was slow to reclaim full control of the contest.

But Diego Godin was replaced by Bastoni 22 minutes from time and the new man directed a header from Cristiano Biraghi's left-wing cross inside the near post.

Lecce's response was strong, however, and Mancosu got in front of Bastoni to finish coolly from substitute Zan Majer's delivery.

Filippo Falco - another introduction from the bench - could have stolen all three points, but his 81st-minute free-kick hit the outside of the post.

What does it mean? Standards slipping for Inter

Inter won 14 of its first 18 Serie A games this season but has now drawn two in a row. While there was certainly no shame in coming up short against Atalanta, victory was expected here. The Nerazzurri struggled to break down Lecce, and perhaps Conte will look to the transfer market for creative inspiration - potentially in the form of Christian Eriksen.

Babacar battles

The Lecce striker failed to add to his Serie A tally of four goals against Inter - his joint-best such record in the competition - but worked manfully up front, having a hand in several of the hosts' best moments.

Martinez muted

Lautaro Martinez has formed one half of one of the most exciting, effective strike partnerships in European football this season, but this was not his day. The Argentina forward had little say in proceedings early on, and belated efforts in the second period came from distance and scarcely troubled Gabriel.

What's next?

There is a clear week for both sides before Serie A action continues next weekend. Inter hosts Cagliari on Sunday shortly before Lecce visits Hellas Verona.

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