Palermo beat Lecce 2-0 in the Round of 64 of the Coppa Italia on 17 August 2026. The result marks a significant shift for both sides in their pre-season preparations, with the hosts securing a clean sheet and three points against a side that controlled much of the game.
And here's the thing about the numbers — Lecce had 55 per cent possession and created five big chances compared to Palermo's two. They registered 13 shots against 10, with an expected goals tally of 3.1 to 1.19. Yet the scoreline tells a different story entirely.
Palermo's efficiency was stark. They hit the target five times from ten attempts, while Lecce managed only four shots on target from thirteen. To be fair, the visitors pushed harder in attack, launching 32 crosses compared to nine, but just eight of them found their man.
By then, Palermo had already established a rhythm that suited their approach. They completed 290 passes against Lecce's 348, but their 43 passes into the final third carried more weight than Lecce's 95. The hosts made 13 successful tackles to the visitors' nine, disrupting their build-up play.
The recent form adds context to this result. Palermo had lost 2-0 to Juventus on 11 August but came back with victories over Melbourne City and Paradiso. Lecce came into the match with a stronger run, winning five of their last seven games including a 5-2 triumph over Bistrita.
One yellow card was shown to each side, and both goalkeepers made three saves. The defensive work proved decisive — Palermo made 26 clearances to Lecce's 23, and their two blocked shots prevented further pressure.
The draw brought them together early in the cup, but this time the underdogs held firm. Palermo's victory keeps their campaign alive while Lecce must now regroup after a performance that produced chances but not goals.