Pellegrino Header Completes Parma's Stunning 2-1 Comeback at Lecce

In a dramatic Serie A encounter that epitomized the desperation of a relegation battle, Parma staged a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory against Lecce at Via Del Mare, transforming what initially seemed like a certain defeat into a crucial triumph. The match was a testament to Parma's resilience and Lecce's self-destructive tendencies, ultimately reshaping the bottom half of the Serie A table.

From the opening whistle, the match erupted with intensity. Nikola Stulic stunned the visitors by finding the net just 60 seconds into the game, converting a precise right-footed shot after Lameck Banda's pinpoint cross. The Via Del Mare stadium thundered with home supporters' jubilation, believing this early goal might be the catalyst for easing their relegation anxieties. However, Parma had other plans, demonstrating the fighting spirit that has defined their challenging campaign.

With 59% possession, Parma gradually wrestled control of the match, methodically breaking down Lecce's defensive structure. Adrian Bernabé emerged as the orchestrator, pulling strings from midfield and creating opportunities where none seemed to exist. The visitors' patience bore fruit in the 64th minute through the most unfortunate of circumstances—Tiago Gabriel inadvertently turning Emanuele Valeri's blocked shot into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1.

The match's complexion transformed dramatically in those moments. Parma sensed vulnerability in the Lecce defense, and their relentless pressure soon paid dividends. In the 72nd minute, Mateo Pellegrino rose majestically to meet Bernabé's perfectly delivered corner, powering a header into the high center of the goal. The Argentine striker's clinical finish completed a stunning turnaround that sent the traveling Parma supporters into unbridled celebration.

Lecce's hopes disintegrated further when disciplinary issues began to unravel their chances. Lameck Banda received his marching orders in the 57th minute following a VAR review that upgraded his yellow card to a red for a dangerous challenge on Enrico Delprato. The situation deteriorated catastrophically in stoppage time when Kialonda Gaspar was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, leaving Lecce to finish the match with a mere eight players.

The match statistics painted a stark picture of two teams struggling for offensive consistency. Lecce managed just one shot on target from 10 attempts, while Parma marginally improved with two efforts from 12 attempts. The referee's notebook saw significant action, with six cards brandished throughout the increasingly heated encounter.

Parma's victory was built on tactical discipline and superior ball retention. After absorbing Lecce's early pressure, they gradually imposed their game plan. Bernabé controlled midfield with surgical precision, while Gaetano Oristanio provided crucial width and creativity down the right flank. The defensive partnership of Alessandro Circati and Lautaro Valenti proved instrumental in protecting their hard-earned advantage during the match's chaotic final stages.

For Lecce, the defeat represents a significant psychological blow to their survival hopes. Despite Stulic's promising early strike, they failed to capitalize on their advantage and ultimately succumbed to poor discipline and defensive vulnerabilities. The red cards to Banda and Gaspar encapsulated an afternoon where emotional impulses overwhelmed tactical reasoning.

The result dramatically reshapes the lower reaches of the Serie A table. Parma leapfrog their opponents, moving to 15th place with 17 points, while Lecce remain in 16th with 16 points. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions as the season reaches its midpoint, with every fixture potentially defining their top-flight future.

Looking ahead, Lecce will host Serie A leaders Internazionale on January 14 in what promises to be a daunting test of their resilience. Parma, meanwhile, will welcome high-flying Napoli on the same date, hoping to build momentum from this morale-boosting victory in their fight for Serie A survival.