Arrigo Sacchi refuses to blame 17-year-old striker Francesco Camarda for missing a penalty in Lecce’s 1-0 loss against Napoli: ‘ I’ve seen even the greatest make mistakes from the spot. From Pelé to Maradona, from Messi to Baggio.’

Former Italy coach Sacchi reassures Camarda after seeing the Milan loanee miss a penalty for Lecce in Tuesday’s home loss against Napoli.

The Partenopei snatched the three points thanks to a Zambo Anguissa goal, scored minutes after Camarda’s error from the spot.

“The image of Francesco Camarda, devastated on the bench, after missing the penalty kick and after Napoli took the lead through Anguissa, is proof that football is beauty and wonder, but also, as in this case, disappointment, tears, and pain,” Sacchi wrote in his latest Gazzetta dello Sport column.

Sacchi: Even the greatest players miss penalties

“I always say that football is a reflection of life: everything happens on the pitch, and also the opposite. Missing a penalty can never be considered a fault.

“From the spot, I’ve seen even the greatest make mistakes. From Pelé to Maradona, from Messi to Baggio.

“So imagine if I’d be surprised that Camarda’s shot was saved and above all, imagine if I’d even dream of saying that Lecce’s defeat was his fault,” Sacchi continued.

“Camarda is a talented young player, someone who can bring plenty of joy to the fans, and I wouldn’t rule out that he could soon become a key player for the national team. Why should we throw him under the bus? Because of a missed penalty? Let’s not be ridiculous, please.”

Sacchi is surely familiar with Camarda’s pain.

“I lost a World Cup Final in 1994, on penalties against Brazil. I never thought of pointing the finger at those who missed,” wrote the ex-Italy and Milan coach.

Sacchi advises Lecce after Camarda’s error

“On the contrary, when I got back to the locker room, I gathered the team, the boys had tears in their eyes, and I told them that, to me, they were heroes, that they had given everything to reach a dream. It wasn’t just something to say in the moment. I truly meant it. I understand Camarda’s disappointment very well, but I want to tell him that he must not let it bring him down and, above all, he must listen to voices, comments, whispers or possible controversies.

“I sincerely hope no even even thinks of suggesting that Camarda should never take another penalty. That would truly be an unforgivable mistake. In a situation like this, I believe you should do exactly the opposite: at the next penalty, you hand the ball to Camarda and tell him, ‘Go on, don’t worry. And if you miss again, it’s okay.'”

Antonio Conte has not forgotten Inter protests about the refereeing and hopes the Lecce penalty against Napoli today was not ‘moaning influencing the referees.’

The tension was over the weekend when Napoli beat Inter 3-1 including a penalty that was awarded by the assistant referee with minimal contact between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Many pundits suggested that the spot-kick should’ve been overturned with a VAR review, and that the referee should not have blindly accepted the verdict of his assistant.

Inter protested at that decision, sending President Beppe Marotta to the press room, so Conte referenced this after Lecce received a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.

Conte not letting go of Inter controversy

“It is not right for me to come here and complain, as too few days have passed since the last game with a very different type of behaviour from others,” said Conte in his press conference.

“We remain hopeful that the moaning is not influencing Rocchi and the referees. When Presidents arrive to speak to the media, they think that they are sending a strong message and influencing the narrative.

“We are not here to whine, but we’re not stupid either.”

The referee had not initially awarded the penalty to Lecce this evening at the Stadio Via del Mare, but it was given following a VAR On-Field Review.

It took quite a few minutes to find the footage from an angle that showed the hand bent back by the Kialonda Gaspar header.

Antonio Conte raged against the ‘completely absurd’ treatment of the Napoli injury crisis after they scraped a 1-0 victory away to Lecce with a saved penalty.

The Partenopei were feeling the pressure at the Stadio Via del Mare after failing to win in their last four competitive away fixtures.

It went from bad to worse when Noa Lang limped off with a knock to the thigh just above his left knee, then Lecce were awarded a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic came to the rescue by saving the Francesco Camarda penalty, then Frank Andre Zambo Anguissa nodded in a David Neres free kick for the 1-0 victory.

Conte taking nothing for granted at Napoli

“These games are never easy, especially after a match like the one with Inter that used up so much energy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“We played against a very good team, it is always tough to play here in Lecce. I think we should’ve controlled the final stages better, even if we didn’t run many big risks. Mentality is first and foremost.

“It was a very good first half, then this penalty could’ve changed the course of the game, but our goalkeeper did well and we went on to deserve the victory.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Lecce 0-1 Napoli

Rasmus Hojlund made his return as a substitute after a few weeks out injured, but it is now confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for three to four months after a high grade lesion to the thigh.

Scott McTominay was rested today, moving Napoli back to the 4-3-3 formation that had seen them win the Scudetto last season.

“People forget that we are having to make do. People talk about these big reinforcements, now some even try to suggest we are benefiting from the injuries to Lukaku and De Bruyne. It’s completely absurd,” raged Conte.

“All we’ve got in goal now is Milinkovic-Savic, but some over the summer were asking why we had invested so much in a quality goalkeeper.”

Anguissa scored the goal today, but then had a bit of an odd exchange with Conte in the final minutes when urging the coach to ‘calm down’ after a particularly loud scream in his direction.

“I honestly didn’t see it, but in these moments you need guts, not calm. I am very happy for Frank, if he’s constantly switched on then there are few players like him, but he still needs to improve his finishing. We need to score goals from everyone, it doesn’t matter if they are strikers, midfielders or defenders.”

Lang limped off within 60 seconds of the restart, so why was that problem not identified during half-time to avoid wasting a substitution slot?

“Lang had two knocks in the same spot, so I think his muscle hardened. It is not a serious problem. I am glad for him too, having his first start, as we need everyone in this difficult moment. The important thing is that we never lack the right spirit,” concluded Conte.

This means that Napoli will go into the weekend top of the table, potentially alone if Roma drop points at home to Parma tomorrow evening.

Napoli defeated Lecce 1-0 this evening, in a fine margin that Antonio Conte would have liked to see larger. Whilst Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pulled off a strong save to deny Francesco Camarda from the penalty spot, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa continues his run of good form with a winning goal and is Football Italia’s Man of the Match.

Lecce 0-1 Napoli – Player Ratings

Lecce: Falcone 6; Veiga 6, Gaspar 6, Gabriel 7, Gallo 6; Coulibaly 6 (Maleh N/A), Ramadani 6, Berisha 6 (Pierret N/A); Pierotti 5.5 (Morente 6), Camarda 5 (Stulic 6), Banda 6.5 (N’Dri 5.5)

Best Lecce player: Gabriel – The Portuguese defender put in a solid shift in defence for Lecce today, constantly causing Napoli’s attack difficulties. Deserved a clean sheet for his performance but the 20-year-old continues to impress.

Lowest Lecce rating: Camarda – The 17-year-old has been a breakthrough star so far this season for Lecce but unfortunately had an evening to forget against an experienced Napoli tonight. The youngster had the opportunity to give his side the lead from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Partenopei keeper Milinkovic-Savic.

Coach: Di Francesco 6.5 – Set up his team well this evening but was unfortunate not to get a result. If it were not for Milinkovic-Savic’s penalty save, the coach could have come away with at least a point but he should not be too disheartened about his efforts tonight.

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 7; Di Lorenzo 6, Buongiorno 6, Juan Jesus 5, Olivera 6 (Spinazzola 6.5); Zambo Anguissa 7.5, Gilmour 6.5, Elmas 5.5 (Gutierrez N/A); Politano 5.5 (McTominay 6), Lucca 5.5 (Hojlund 5.5), Lang 6.5 (Neres 6.5)

Best Napoli player: Anguissa – Although Milinkovic-Savic deserves plaudits for a strong penalty save, Anguissa has once again continued his run of good form with a decisive goal to give his team all three points. Looked confident all evening, despite the absence of McTominay and De Bruyne in the starting lineup.

Lowest Napoli rating: Lucca – The towering target man was once again ineffectual before being substituted around the hour mark. Hojlund’s return from injury marks another setback for the Italian striker.

Coach: Conte 6 – Coped well against a plucky Lecce but can consider himself lucky to come away with all three points.

Relive all the action, as it happened, on our Live Blog.

Napoli scraped a victory away to Lecce thanks to another Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa goal, but also Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saving the Francesco Camarda penalty.

The Partenopei were back on top of the table after the dramatic 3-1 win over Inter, but it came at a cost, as Kevin De Bruyne will be out for several months with a serious thigh strain. Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku were also still on the treatment table, but Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani were back on the bench. The 4-3-3 formation returned, with Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola rested. Lecce missed Riccardo Sottil, Matias Perez, Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski after the 3-2 defeat to Udinese.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Napoli wore their special edition Halloween kit and Billy Gilmour saw his snapshot deflected wide, but Lorenzo Lucca accidentally charged down a Matteo Politano strike that was on target.

The hosts also threatened with Medon Berisha drilling wide from the edge of the area, while Politano turned over from six yards on the Matias Olivera pull-back.

Wladimiro Falcone made a huge save using his legs at the near post to deny Olivera, who had been sent clear by a smart Gilmour first-touch lay-off.

Francesco Camarda’s chest and half-volley was inches wide on the stroke of half-time, but wouldn’t have counted over handball.

Noa Lang hobbled off with a knock to the thigh just above the left knee moments after the restart, adding to the growing list of Napoli absentees.

There was a double chance to open the scoring when Lucca ran onto a long ball that Falcone rushed out to nod clear, then Politano’s follow-up was charged down with the goalkeeper off his line.

Kialonda Gaspar’s header on a corner seemed to strike the hand of Juan Jesus, which bent back on impact, so the Lecce penalty was awarded following a VAR review. Camarda stepped up, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic confirmed his status as a specialist by parrying the spot-kick, meaning he has saved five of the last nine Serie A penalties faced.

Hojlund made his comeback from injury, with McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola strengthening the squad from the bench for the final half-hour.

It paid off, as Napoli took the lead when a David Neres free kick was glanced into the far top corner off the head of Anguissa from six yards.

Elmas blasted wide and Nikola Stulic was too sluggish to make the most of a Danilo Veiga pull-back, while in stoppages Hojlund failed to meet the Neres assist.

Lecce 0-1 Napoli

Anguissa 69 (N)

Saved penalty: Camarda 56 (L)

28-10-2025 17:30

MatchDay 9

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Napoli

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

26'

Mathías Olivera

2nd half

Francesco Camarda		56'
Ylber Ramadani		62'
		69'		Frank Anguissa (Assist: David Neres)
Konan N’Dri		88'

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

7

Total shots

14

2

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

6

3

Corners

5

1

Offsides

0

10

Fouls

14

Lecce

Napoli

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

77'

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

77'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

70'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

65'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

46'

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

22

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

61'

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

85'

27

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

61'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

61'

70

Noa Lang

Attacker

48'

Substitutes

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

46'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

65'

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

70'

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

77'

75

Balthazar Pierret

Midfielder

77'

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

69

Giuseppe Ambrosino

Attacker

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

25

Mathias Ferrante

Goalkeeper

7

David Neres

Attacker

48'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

61'

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

61'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

61'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

85'

Napoli faced another injury blow this evening in their match against Lecce, with Noa Lang having to come off just after the start of the second half.

After a foul from Danilo Veiga in the first half, Lang appeared to suffer a bruise just above his left knee. The Dutchman attempted to play on and started the second half but only lasted a minute before signalling to the bench he needed to come off.

Lang was replaced by David Neres, you can follow all the action as it happens on our Live Blog.

Some good news for Napoli as Hojlund returns

It was not all bad news for the Partenopei, however, with Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund making his return from injury.

The forward, on loan from Manchester United with an obligation-to-buy, was brought on for struggling summer signing Lorenzo Lucca just after the hour mark.

It marks Hojlund’s first appearance since before the international break, when he scored in a 2-1 win over Genoa. In fact, the striker was on a run of six goals in four games for club and country before the injury forced a setback.

Napoli team manager Gabriele Oriali has spoken to the press before the Partenopei’s trip to Lecce in Serie A on Tuesday evening. Oriali discussed several topics, including the 6-2 defeat to PSV last week, as well as the injuries of both Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Speaking to DAZN Italia, Oriali said “There are always three points up for grabs in every game. We need to keep the Eindhoven defeat in our minds always as a warning of what can happen when we don’t play with that focus and unity,”

Napoli were expected to meet a resistant PSV in Eindhoven last week but nobody forecasted such a heavy defeat for Antonio Conte’s side. However, the Partenopei bounced back at the weekend with a 3-1 win over Inter in a game that may carry additional significance as we get further through the campaign.

“We were coming off a heavy defeat that was unexpected, so everyone’s mood was bad going into the Inter game, not just Conte.”

Napoli team manager Oriali provides update on Lukaku & De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne was taken off with an injury in the win over Inter and early forecasts predict that the Belgian will not return until a couple of months into 2026.

On the former Manchester City man’s condition, Oriali said “We don’t know yet how long he will be out for, as the surgery is meant to be tomorrow, but we’ll have a better idea then. It is going to be 3-4 months unfortunately, as he had settled in very well and was giving a big hand to the team.”

Finally, the Napoli man discussed Romelu Lukaku’s recovery. The forward suffered an injury in pre-season that saw him miss the start to the campaign, and led to the Partenopei signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.

“However, Lukaku is on his way back this week and we hope to get him ready soon. I won’t stand here listing all the injuries we’ve had, but we got through it anyway, and those who replaced them did very well.”

Lecce host Napoli at the Via del mare this evening as Antonio Conte’s side look to go temporarily three points clear at the top of Serie A.

Follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta vs. Milan on the Liveblog.

After an impressive victory at the Stadio Maradona against Scudetto rivals Inter at the weekend, Napoli appear to be getting their momentum back on track following a brutal week before.

After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Torino and heavy 6-2 thumping at the hands of PSV last week, Conte’s side bounced back with a convincing 3-1 win over Inter.

Unfortunately for Conte and the Partenopei, talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the win and the Partenopei must now deal without the Belgian midfielder for some time.

Lecce vs Napoli – McTominay back in the heart of midfield after De Bruyne injury

Furthermore, Scott McTominay heads to the bench as Conte opts for a midfield triad of Billy Gilmour, Eljif Elmas and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Additionally, Lorenzo Lucca starts up front, with Politano and Noa Lang working from the flanks. This marks Conte’s return to his 4-3-3, after utilising a 4-1-4-1 for a majority of the season so far.

Lecce vs Napoli – Starting Lineups

Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Gallo, Gabriel, Gaspar, Veiga; Berisha, Ramadani, Coulibaly; Banda, Camarda, Pierotti

Napoli (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Gilmour, Elmas; Politano, Lucca, Lang

28-10-2025 17:30

MatchDay 9

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Napoli

0 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

26'

Mathías Olivera

2nd half

Francesco Camarda		56'
Ylber Ramadani		62'
		69'		Frank Anguissa (Assist: David Neres)
Konan N’Dri		88'

Match statistic

41

Possession %

59

7

Total shots

14

2

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

5

2

Blocked shots

6

3

Corners

5

1

Offsides

0

10

Fouls

14

Lecce

Napoli

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

77'

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

77'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

70'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

65'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

46'

32

Vanja Milinković-Savić

Goalkeeper

4

Alessandro Buongiorno

Defender

22

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Defender

5

Juan Jesus

Defender

17

Mathías Olivera

Defender

61'

99

Frank Anguissa

Midfielder

6

Billy Gilmour

Midfielder

20

Eljif Elmas

Midfielder

85'

27

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

61'

21

Matteo Politano

Attacker

61'

70

Noa Lang

Attacker

48'

Substitutes

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

46'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

65'

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

70'

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

77'

75

Balthazar Pierret

Midfielder

77'

13

Amir Rrahmani

Defender

14

Nikita Contini

Goalkeeper

26

Antonio Vergara

Midfielder

30

Pasquale Mazzocchi

Defender

69

Giuseppe Ambrosino

Attacker

31

Sam Beukema

Defender

35

Luca Marianucci

Defender

25

Mathias Ferrante

Goalkeeper

7

David Neres

Attacker

48'

37

Leonardo Spinazzola

Defender

61'

8

Scott McTominay

Midfielder

61'

19

Rasmus Højlund

Attacker

61'

3

Miguel Gutiérrez

Defender

85'

Lorenzo Lucca is expected to return to the Napoli XI against Lecce today, but Scott McTominay might start on the bench.

It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.

Napoli see Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani return to action, but neither is fit to start, so Antonio Conte is expected to pick Lucca in attack, Sam Beukema and Juan Jesus at centre-back.

Lucca was benched against Inter on Saturday and had received a red card in his latest game as a starter against PSV last week.

Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret and Stanislav Lobotka are injured.

Several sources, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, report that Scotland international McTominay is expected to rest so Eljif Elmas will join Billy Gilmour and Zambo Anguissa in the middle of the park.

Noa Lang is expected to start for the first time in Serie A this season, completing a three-man attack with Lucca and Matteo Politano.

Milan loanee Francesco Camarda is expected to start for Lecce.

Lecce vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV

The match is available on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.

Lecce vs. Napoli – probable line-ups

Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone, Veiga, Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani, Maleh; Pierotti, Stulic, Banda.

Napoli (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic, Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Gilmour, Elmas; Politano, Lucca, Lang.

Udinese earned their first home victory since March 1, as Lecce paid for poor finishing compared to Jesper Karlstrom, Keinan Davis and Adam Buksa.

The Friulani had stalled after a good start to the season, picking up just two points from four rounds. Thomas Kristensen was still out, with Nicolò Zaniolo leading the attack again. Lecce on the other hand had found stability on a three-match unbeaten run, despite on-going Riccardo Sottil, Filip Marchwinski, Matias Perez and Gaby Jean injuries. Francesco Camarda and Lameck Banda shook off flu symptoms for a spot on the bench.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Udinese took the lead when a corner was not cleared effectively, so Jesper Karlstrom broke down the left and nutmegged Wladimiro Falcone from a very tight angle with the inside of the right boot.

It was nearly 2-0 just four minutes later, as Nicolò Zaniolo swept a finish first-time from 14 yards that smacked against the crossbar.

Falcone smothered a Keinan Davis effort after a cheap giveaway, but Udinese doubled their lead when Arthur Atta squirmed away down the left and stood up a cross for the Davis free header, having shrugged off Tiago Gabriel.

Nikola Stulic hit the side-netting and Lecce got back into it with a long-range Medon Berisha free kick that surprised a frankly uncertain Maduka Okoye at the near top corner.

Okoye, who just made his return from a lengthy ban for betting irregularities, looked very rusty and completely missed a corner, which took a double ricochet off first Saba Goglichidze and then Nicolò Bertola to threaten an own goal.

Konan N’Dri curled off target from the edge of the area, while Santiago Pierotti steered a header just wide from a very promising position.

Lecce were pouring forward, but caught on the counter from their own corner, as Bayo sprinted forward and set up Adam Buksa to beat the on-rushing Falcone for a debut Serie A goal.

Konan N’Dri did get a consolation goal with the last kick of the game, cutting inside for a left-foot curler into the far top corner, but it was too little, too late.

Udinese 3-2 Lecce

Karlstrom 16 (U), Davis 37 (U), Berisha 59 (L), Buksa 89 (U), N’Dri 96 (L)

25-10-2025 14:00

MatchDay 8

Friuli Stadium (Dacia Arena)

Udinese

Lecce

3 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Jesper Karlström (Assist: Arthur Atta)		16'
		32'		Nikola Stulic
Keinan Davis (Assist: Arthur Atta)		37'
Keinan Davis		41'
		45+1'		Kialonda Gaspar

2nd half

		59'		Medon Berisha
Adam Buksa (Assist: Vakoun Bayo)		89'
Adam Buksa		90'
		90+6'		Konan N’Dri (Assist: Álex Sala)

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

8

Total shots

13

4

Shots on target

3

2

Shots off target

7

2

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

9

1

Offsides

0

12

Fouls

12

Udinese

Lecce

Starting lineups

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

Alessandro Zanoli

Defender

86'

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

60'

2

Saba Goglichidze

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

76'

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

60'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

46'

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

76'

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

46'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

66'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

86'

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

46'

Substitutes

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

4

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

16

Matteo Palma

Defender

77

Rui Modesto

Midfielder

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

18

Adam Buksa

Attacker

46'

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

60'

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

60'

24

Jakub Piotrowski

Midfielder

76'

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

86'

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

75

Balthazar Pierret

Midfielder

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

46'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

46'

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

66'

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

76'

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

86'

Lecce and Sassuolo both wasted golden scoring opportunities in a disappointing stalemate with a distinct lack of quality.

Both teams had a dismal start to the season, but went into the break for international duty with morale-boosting wins. The hosts saw Riccardo Sottil join Filip Marchwinski, Matias Perez and Gaby Jean on the treatment table. The Neroverdi got captain Domenico Berardi back, but were missing Daniel Boloca, Tarek Muharemovic, Yeferson Paz and Edoardo Pieragnolo.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Ylber Ramadani drilled wide from the edge of the area, while Filippo Romagna’s volley was deflected over by Kialonda Gaspar.

Nikola Stulic came close with a left-foot curler from distance that bent inches wide of the far post and Berisha’s half-volley was charge down by Romagna.

Armand Laurienté got the assist all wrong for Andrea Pinamonti when sent clear down the left after the restart, while Berardi first forced a save from Wladimiro Falcone’s foot at the near post, then drilled the rebound across the face of goal.

Tiago Gabriel made a decisive block on the Thorstvedt angled drive in stoppages, but had even braver defending when throwing his face in the way of a Pierini volley, which left him visibly shaken.

Lecce 0-0 Sassuolo

18-10-2025 14:00

MatchDay 7

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Sassuolo

0 - 0

Player statistic

2nd half

		82'		Domenico Berardi
Danilo Veiga		84'
Wladimiro Falcone		90+4'
		90+6'		Josh Doig

Match statistic

51

Possession %

49

11

Total shots

9

2

Shots on target

2

6

Shots off target

4

3

Blocked shots

3

6

Corners

4

1

Offsides

1

16

Fouls

14

Lecce

Sassuolo

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

17

Danilo Veiga

Defender

4

Kialonda Gaspar

Defender

44

Tiago Gabriel

Defender

29

Lassana Coulibaly

Midfielder

64'

10

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

86'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

9

Nikola Stulic

Attacker

64'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

74'

7

Tete Morente

Attacker

86'

49

Arijanet Muric

Goalkeeper

19

Filippo Romagna

Defender

74'

21

Jay Idzes

Defender

3

Josh Doig

Defender

6

Sebastian Walukiewicz

Defender

40

Aster Vranckx

Midfielder

57'

42

Kristian Thorstvedt

Midfielder

18

Nemanja Matic

Midfielder

99

Andrea Pinamonti

Attacker

74'

45

Armand Lauriente

Attacker

57'

10

Domenico Berardi

Attacker

Substitutes

93

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

32

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

1

Christian Früchtl

Goalkeeper

77

Mohamed Kaba

Midfielder

3

Corrie Ndaba

Defender

21

Christ-Owen Kouassi

Defender

80

Niko Kovač

Midfielder

5

Jamil Siebert

Defender

6

Álex Sala

Midfielder

14

Thórir Jóhann Helgason

Midfielder

64'

22

Francesco Camarda

Attacker

64'

19

Lameck Banda

Attacker

74'

75

Balthazar Pierret

Midfielder

86'

11

Konan N’Dri

Attacker

86'

7

Cristian Volpato

Midfielder

16

Gioele Zacchi

Goalkeeper

25

Woyo Coulibaly

Defender

13

Stefano Turati

Goalkeeper

24

Luca Moro

Attacker

26

Cas Odenthal

Defender

35

Luca Lipani

Midfielder

90

Ismaël Koné

Midfielder

20

Alieu Fadera

Midfielder

14

Laurs Skjellerup

Attacker

44

Edoardo Iannoni

Midfielder

57'

77

Nicholas Pierini

Attacker

57'

5

Fali Candé

Defender

74'

9

Walid Cheddira

Attacker

74'

Serie A players proved to be in good shape during the international break, especially Rasmus Hojlund, Kenan Yildiz and Ruslan Malinovskyi, who netted three goals in two games.

The Serie A campaign is about to resume after the international break in October, which saw several stars from Italy’s top-flight make headlines.

Serie A: international goalscorers in October

This is particularly the case for Hojlund (Napoli), Yildiz (Juventus) and Malinovskyi (Genoa), scorers of three goals in two matches.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Napoli), Albert Gudmundsson (Iceland, Fiorentina), Stefan Posch (Austria, Como), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter) and Francesco Camarda (Lecce, Italy U21) scored two goals in two games.

Atalanta winger Kamaldeen Sulemana netted once in Ghana’s 5-0 win over the Central African Republic.

Scotland international Ché Adams (Torino), McTominay (Napoli), and Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) scored a goal each in the last two games, and the same is true of Moise Kean (Italy, Fiorentina), Mikael Egill Ellertsson (Iceland, Genoa), Grigoris  Kastanos (Cyprus, Verona), Dusan Vlahovic (Serbia, Juventus), Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot (France, Milan), Konstantinos Tsimikas (Greece, Roma) and Zeki Celik (Turkey, Roma).

Italy’s Gianluca Mancini (Roma) and Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter) scored for the first time on the international stage, like Slovakia and Cagliari defender Adam Obert.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport, October 17, 2025, page nine.

Serie A returns this weekend after the break for international duty, with Davide Massa assigned to referee Roma-Inter, Luca Marinelli officiating Milan-Fiorentina and Giovanni Ayroldi for Como-Juventus.

The squads are coming back together for training after travelling all over the world and will be back in action for their clubs for the Week 7 fixtures.

The biggest match without doubt is the battle between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening.

This has been assigned to veteran referee Massa, with Francesco Meraviglia as the VAR.

Massa’s record with Roma is very balanced with 10 victories, 12 draws and nine defeats.

In comparison, Inter have a much stronger run under this referee, as he oversaw 20 wins, five stalemates and five losses.

There have been some editions of this fixture before with Massa, who was officiating Inter’s 1-0 win away to Roma in October 2024, but also the time the Giallorossi snatched a 2-1 victory at San Siro in October 2022.

Serie A Week 7 referees

Lecce-Sassuolo (Crezzini, VAR Mazzoleni)

Pisa-Verona (Guida, VAR Di Paolo)

Torino-Napoli (Marcenaro, VAR Doveri)

Roma-Inter (Massa, VAR Meraviglia)

Como-Juventus (Ayroldi, VAR Maresca)

Cagliari-Bologna (Marchetti, VAR Ghersini)

Genoa-Parma (Sozza, VAR Marini)

Atalanta-Lazio (Collu, VAR Gariglio)

Milan-Fiorentina (Marinelli, VAR Abisso)

Cremonese-Udinese (Fabbri, VAR La Penna)

Italy continued their strong Under-21 qualifying campaign with a 5-1 victory over Armenia, as Francesco Camarda bagged a brace, but Cher Ndour missed a penalty.

The Azzurrini were joint top of their group with Poland after winning all three games under coach Silvio Baldini, including last week’s 4-0 victory over Sweden.

Luca Marianucci was almost made to pay for a moment of distraction when Arayik Eloyan pounced in the final third, but the Armenian striker horribly scuffed his finish when clear on goal.

Italy failed to make their domination count, as Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour saw his header smack against the upright on 22 minutes with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Moments later, Ndour was brought down by Artem Bandikian for a penalty, but the same player saw his spot-kick parried by Gor Matinyan.

Ndour had another headed attempt, while Luca Lipani’s effort was charged down before Italy finally broke through.

Substitute Matteo Dagasso sprung the offside trap on a truly inspired Niccolò Pisilli through ball and kept his cool to beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.

The second arrived a few minutes later, as Koleosho won it back in midfield and threaded through for Davide Bartesaghi down the left, who generously rolled it across for his fellow Milan academy product Camarda’s tap-in from six yards.

However, Armenia had a huge opportunity to score too when a ball was rolled across from the left for Artur Garibyan to toe-poke at full stretch, drawing a tricky save out of Lorenzo Palmisani.

Italy made sure with 17-year-old Camarda’s third goal in two games, ready to nod in the hooked Dagasso cross from the left byline.

Pisilli went on a slalom through defenders and the angled drive was fingertipped into the path of Seydou Fini to tap in for 4-0 from five yards.

The Azzurrini still managed to gift a goal to Armenia, as Bartesaghi’s weak back-pass surprised Palmisani, allowing Edik Vardanyan to pounce.

There was more bad news, as Niccolò Fortini received two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, reducing Italy to 10 men. It was particularly remarkable considering he had only come on eight minutes earlier.

They threatened a fifth goal anyway, as first the Koleosho strike from the edge of the area and then the Pisilli follow-up both bounced off the upright on 88 minutes.

Jeff Ekhator did round out the scoreline in stoppages with an angled drive, again inspired by Koleosho.

Italy 5-1 Armenia

Dagasso 59 (I), Camarda 62, 72 (I), Fini 75 (I), Vardanyan 78 (A), Ekhator 91 (I)

Saved penalty: Ndour 26 (I)

Sent off: Fortini 85 (I)

Italy U21: Palmisani; Palestra (Fortini 77), Marianucci (Guarino 46), Mane, Bartesaghi; Pisilli, Lipani, Ndour (Dagasso 46); Cherubini (Fini 73), Camarda (Ekhator 73), Koleosho

Armenia U21: Matinyan; Tarloyan, Manukyan, Hakobyan (Vardanyan 68), Bandikian; K Hovhannisyan (Askaryan 68), N Hovhannisyan (Afyan 68), H Sargsyan (Ayvazyan 76), D Hakobyan; M Hakobyan, Eloyan (Garibyan 57)

Ref: Levi (ISR)

Francesco Camarda celebrated his first goal for Italy U21 in the 4-0 win over Sweden, describing it as “a starting point” in his international career, while coach Silvio Baldini hailed the spirit and maturity of his young squad.

Camarda, who became Italy’s youngest-ever scorer at this level, converted a cheeky penalty in Cesena to cap another impressive team display.

Speaking to Rai Sport, with quotes via AlfredoPedulla.com, the Lecce forward, on loan from Milan, said he was delighted both for his goal and for the collective performance.

“I’m really happy, first for how we played as a team – we’re a great group and we showed it,” he said. “I didn’t know the coach wasn’t a fan of penalties like that, but it went well. You take risks, and I just act on instinct. I’m sorry if Ibrahimović won’t be pleased,” he added with a smile.

“This goal isn’t about me – it’s important for the team. It’s a starting point.”

Italy U21 coach Baldini hails spirit in win over Sweden

Baldini praised his players for their talent and cohesion but urged them to stay grounded. “These boys are good,” he said, via FirenzeViola.

“I’ve always said it’s a group full of talent, and tonight they showed it. But talent must be cultivated – with work and above all with the right mentality.”

The coach highlighted the unity in his squad, even referencing Berti’s penalty in his home city of Cesena. “That gesture gave me even more joy than the 4-0 win,” Baldini admitted.

He also underlined the freedom he grants his players: “I don’t put pressure on them or worry about the opponents. They’re talented and shouldn’t have any brakes. Even if I hate those kinds of penalties,” he joked, “if someone feels confident, they should take them.”

The win kept Italy top of their Euro 2027 qualifying group with a perfect record.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte is the highest-paid coach in Serie A in 2025-26, followed by Massimiliano Allegri and Gian Piero Gasperini.

• Read more – Two Italians, but not Gattuso, in top 10 of highest-paid national team coaches

TMW has listed the salaries of all 20 Serie A coaches in 2025-26 and Conte emerges as the highest-paid with an €8m net wage.

Conte the highest-paid coach in 2025-26 Serie A

The Partenopei boss signed a new contract in May after leading the Partenopei to their second Scudetto in three years.

Conte is followed by Allegri and Gasperini, who were appointed by Milan and Roma, respectively, last summer. Both Italian coaches earn €5m per season.

Below them, there’s a group of three coaches, Vincenzo Italiano, Stefano Pioli and Igor Tudor, earning €3m each, while Cristian Chivu and Maurizio Sarri get €2.5m per season.

There are just five coaches in Serie A earning less than €1m per season. Carlos Cuesta, Kosta Runjaic, Paolo Zanetti, Davide Nicola, Eusebio Di Francesco and Fabio Grosso.

Serie A will resume after the international break next week with Roma-Inter and Milan-Fiorentina among the big games in Round 7.

Serie A coaches’ salaries in 2025-26

Antonio Conte (Napoli) €8m net

Massimiliano Allegri (Milan) €5m

Gian Piero Gasperini (Roma) 5m

Vincenzo Italiano (Bologna) 3m

Stefano Pioli (Fiorentina) 3m

Igor Tudor (Juventus) 3m

Cristian Chivu (Inter) 2.5m

Maurizio Sarri (Lazio) 2.5m

Ivan Juric (Atalanta) 2m

Patrick Vieira (Genoa) 1.4m

Marco Baroni (Torino) 1.2m

Fabio Pisacane (Cagliari) 1m

Cesc Fabregas (Como) 1m

Alberto Gilardino (Pisa) 1m

Carlos Cuesta (Parma) 0.9m

Kosta Runjaic (Udinese) 0.8m

Paolo Zanetti (Verona) 0.6m

Davide Nicola (Cremonese) 0.5m

Eusebio Di Francesco (Lecce) 0.5m

Fabio Grosso (Sassuolo) 0.5m

Francesco Camarda says he takes inspiration from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he ‘never thought’ about being destined for greatness.

Camarda spoke at a press conference on Thursday, on the eve of Italy U21’s game against Sweden in the UEFA EURO U21 qualifiers.

The Lecce forward, on loan from Milan, has recently scored his first goal in Serie A, receiving praise from Rossoneri legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who showed an Instagram message he had received from Camarda in 2019.

Camarda’s message to Ibrahimovic

“I was ten, he was a world-class footballer,” Camarda said via TMW.

“I respected him as I respect him now; he’s somebody to take inspiration from for my career.”

Camarda is the youngest Serie A debutant, having made his first appearance in Italy’s top flight in a Milan home game against Fiorentina on November 25, 2023, aged 15.

“You want moments like this when you start playing. The first goal, the debut,” Camarda added.

Camarda: First Serie A goal a ‘starting point’

“These are the targets you have as a kid. Let’s say that to have reached it gives me great satisfaction. It’s a starting point, and I’m more and more motivated to go as high as possible. I’m here with the national team, and that’s what I am focused on. I want to bring the three points to my teammates.”

Italy have been lacking a consistent goal-scorer in recent years, and Camarda is seen as a potential starter for the Azzurri in the coming years. However, the 17-year-old insisted he’s never paid attention to outside noise.

Asked how he copes with expectations from being destined for greatness, he replied: “Honestly, I’ve never thought about it. I always live in the present, day by day. I try to improve for the club and the national team and do the best I can. It’s not up to me to say that I’m a prodigy. I try to isolate myself as much as possible from everything.”