Juventus Beat Lecce 2-0 to End Poor Run

Juventus beat Lecce 2-0 at the Via del Mare on October 25, with first-half goals from Weston McKennie and Douglas Luiz.

It was a much-needed win for Luciano Spalletti's side, who had come into the game after a pair of disappointing results. There was an early scare when Juventus goalkeeper Vicario mishit a clearance towards Konan N'Dri, but the visitors settled quickly and kept Lecce quiet for most of the first half.

The opener came in the 29th minute. Douglas Luiz played the ball in behind, and Weston McKennie made a late run from an onside position that Danilo Veiga had lost track of. McKennie stretched to get just enough contact to beat goalkeeper Falcone, even without a clean strike. It was McKennie's first goal since April.

Luiz then doubled the lead in the 41st minute. It was his first goal of the season, and it came after he had also set up the opener, so he finished the afternoon with a goal and an assist. Juventus went into half-time 2-0 up.

The second half was much less spectacular. Juventus managed the lead, and Lecce, coached by Eusebio Di Francesco, found few ways through. Lecce's best early moment came when Fatah cut inside and curled a shot well wide. Juventus could have made it three late on, when Cabal raced clear one-on-one with Falcone in the 89th minute but, off balance, fired well over the bar. Vicario kept a clean sheet.

The Kolo Muani and Woltemade partnership up front did not shine, but Douglas Luiz and McKennie made the difference. Juventus had 58 per cent of the ball, though Lecce had more shots on target, four to two.

The win lifts Juventus to 14 points, three behind fourth-placed Como, who currently hold the last Champions League qualification place. Lecce have scored nine goals and conceded 14 this season.

Juventus travel to Genoa on Wednesday, October 28, while Lecce visit Frosinone the following day.