Lecce continued their unbeaten start to the new Serie A campaign with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Monza at the Brianteo on Sunday afternoon. A dramatic contest in Lombardy featured plenty of drama, goals, cards, and nervy moments.
The international break came to Monza’s salvation after Atalanta mauled them 3-0 in Bergamo, giving Raffaele Palladino’s side plenty of time to reset. On the other hand, Lecce entered the pause as the early surprise package in Serie A, having won twice in the opening three league rounds (D1).
Roberto D’Aversa’s men picked up where they left off as free-firing striker Nikola Krstovic maintained his stellar start. The Montenegro international scored from the spot only three minutes into the game to put Lecce ahead and extend his tally to three goals this season.
However, Lecce’s celebrations were short-lived as Monza replied in the 24th minute through Andrea Colpani. The highly-rated winger ran the show in his side’s first home game this season, netting a match-winning brace against Empoli. He found the net again to put Palladino’s team back on level terms at halftime.
When Federico Baschirotto received a straight red early in the second half, it became clear Monza would go all-out attack to secure three points. Andrea Carboni provided a breakthrough in the 69th minute, but referee Livio Marinelli disallowed his goal for offside after consulting with VAR.
Lecce weathered the storm and got a significant helping hand from Luca Caldirola at the final stretch as the experienced defender picked up his second yellow in the 85th minute, leveling the odds. The rest of the game went quiet in terms of chances, with both sides settling for a point.
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