Bologna secured a dramatic late victory against Lecce, thanks to Riccardo Orsolini’s pinpoint header deep into stoppage time. This win marks a significant milestone for the Rossoblù, as it ends an eight-game winless streak at home in Serie A (SA) and leaves Lecce struggling in the relegation zone after their sixth consecutive league match without a victory.
The match held extra significance for Bologna, who were eager to snap a club-record streak of eight consecutive Serie A draws—the longest ongoing home draw streak in top-flight history. Facing Luca Gotti's Lecce, who had just ended a five-match scoreless run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, Bologna aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
The first opportunity of the match fell to Lecce, with Nikola Krstović firing a low shot from inside the box. However, Bologna goalkeeper Federico Raviglia was equal to the task, comfortably saving the attempt. Despite Bologna’s dominant performance, they struggled to convert their chances. A close-range effort from Remo Freuler sailed over the crossbar, while Santiago Castro’s header was expertly punched away by Lecce's goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone.
The first half ended with both teams unable to find the back of the net, despite Bologna holding the majority of possession and creating more opportunities. Lecce's defense, despite having conceded a league-high seven goals between the 31st minute and half-time this season, managed to remain resolute and keep the score level at the break.
After halftime, Bologna continued to assert their dominance, but the visitors played a disciplined game, forcing both managers to make double substitutions before the hour mark to inject fresh energy into their sides. The match continued in a stalemate until the dying moments when local hero Riccardo Orsolini made the decisive impact. In the 85th minute, the Ascoli-born winger leaped above the Lecce defense to connect with a well-placed cross, nodding the ball into the net and catching Falcone off-guard to clinch the win for Bologna.
This victory not only ends Bologna's disappointing streak at home since their last win against Salernitana in April last season but also signifies a turning point in their campaign. The win extends Bologna's unbeaten run in Serie A to eight games, although five of those matches have ended in draws. On the other hand, Lecce has now set an unwanted record of going scoreless in seven consecutive away league games and remains without a goal in their league travels this season.
As Bologna celebrates this crucial victory, Lecce must regroup quickly to address their scoring woes as they seek to escape the relegation zone in the weeks ahead. The tension in the Serie A continues to build, with both teams eager to shift their fortunes in the upcoming matches.
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