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Serie A Roundup: Juventus Draw With Relegation Threat Lecce As Inter Milan Beat Bologna To Claim Top Spot
The 18th matchday of Serie A 2025-26 was packed with drama, shock results, and vital points that could shape the season.
Juventus were held to a surprising draw, while Inter Milan reclaimed the top spot and Napoli continued their hot streak in the title race.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle intensified, adding more tension across the league.
Juventus Held by Relegation-Threatened Lecce
Juventus were frustrated in a 1-1 draw against Lecce at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with Bianconeri forward Jonathan David missing a key penalty in the 66th minute.
Lecce shocked the home crowd with a first-half stoppage-time opener from Lameck Banda, who intercepted a weak pass from Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, dribbled past two defenders, and slotted the ball into the near corner.
Juventus responded immediately after the break when Weston McKennie converted a return pass from Kenan Yıldız to level the score.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Juventus could not find a winner, as David’s weak penalty was expertly saved by Wladimiro Falcone, who also denied a late powerful strike from the Canadian. Yıldız came close in stoppage time but hit the post, leaving the Bianconeri with just a point.
This draw leaves Juventus level on points with fourth-placed Roma, who lost later in the day, while Lecce inched five points clear of the relegation zone.
Roma Fall to Atalanta in Gasperini’s Return
Gian Piero Gasperini’s first match against his former club Atalanta ended in a 1-0 defeat for Roma. Giorgio Scalvini scored the only goal in the 12th minute, giving Atalanta a morale-boosting win and lifting them to eighth place.
Roma had a chance to move level with second-placed Inter Milan but instead remained tied with Juventus in fourth, highlighting their struggles to capitalize in crucial matches.
The match also marked a notable reunion, as Gasperini returned to Bergamo after nine successful seasons transforming Atalanta into a top Italian and European contender.
Relegation Battle Intensifies
The relegation zone produced more tension over the weekend. Genoa drew 1-1 with Pisa, leaving the two sides locked in a battle that offered no real advantage.
Mehdi Leris equalized for Pisa at the end of the first half, canceling out Lorenzo Colombo’s stunning opener.
Genoa remains three points clear of the drop zone, while Parma sits six points above after a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina secured a rare boost with a 1-0 win over Cremonese, thanks to Moise Kean’s stoppage-time finish, moving them within three points of safety.
Torino also dealt a heavy blow to Hellas Verona, thrashing them 3-0 away, leaving Verona, Fiorentina, and Pisa all level on 12 points, though the teams have played differing numbers of games.
Napoli Maintain Title Charge Amid Chaos
Napoli continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory at Lazio, ensuring the defending champions stay firmly in the title race.
Matteo Politano’s cross allowed Leonardo Spinazzola to volley home the opener in the 13th minute, before Amir Rrahmani doubled the lead in the 33rd minute from a Politano free kick.
The match ended in chaos, however, as three Lazio players were sent off following confrontations and a mass brawl, forcing Napoli coach Antonio Conte to intervene.
Despite the chaos, Napoli remain two points behind league leaders Inter Milan and set up a crucial clash with the Nerazzurri next weekend.
Inter Milan Exact Super Cup Revenge Against Bologna
Inter Milan responded to their recent Super Cup semi-final defeat with a 3-1 victory over Bologna to reclaim the Serie A summit.
Captain Lautaro Martinez was instrumental, assisting Piotr Zielinski for the opener before heading in the second goal himself. Marcus Thuram added a third from a corner, with Santiago Castro netting a late consolation for Bologna.
With this result, Inter Milan leapfrogged AC Milan to lead the standings and set up a key showdown with Napoli in the coming week.
