02.02.2024 22:57 h

Late Lecce show denies Fiorentina top four

Fiorentina missed a chance to move into Serie A's Champions League positions on Friday after two stoppage time goals condemned them to a 3-2 defeat at Lecce.

Roberto Piccoli and Patrick Dorgu struck within moments of each other in added time to snap Lecce's six-match winless streak just as Fiorentina looked set for the three points.

Fiorentina led from the 67th minute after a fine strike four minutes after the break from Rolando Mandragora and Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone gifting Lucas Beltran his fifth league goal of the season.

Falcone got caught short while trying to play out from the back under pressure, passing the ball straight at Beltran who couldn't believe his luck as he guided home from close range.

But Piccoli thumped home a header in the 90th minute and soon after Dorgu's first-time finish sparked wild celebrations among the home crowd.

Vincenzo Italiano's Fiorentina are seventh and two points behind fourth-placed Atalanta who host rivals Lazio on Sunday evening.

Lecce move up a place to 13th, six points above the relegation zone.

League leaders Inter Milan and Juventus face off on Sunday night in a huge match between the two teams battling it out for the Serie A title.