In a tightly-fought Round 9 encounter of the Serie A 2025/26 season, Lecce 0–1 Napoli. The reigning champions edged past the home side at the Stadio Via del Mare courtesy of a solitary goal from André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa in the 69th minute. Napoli moved clear at the top of the table with the result.
Napoli’s defensive discipline and goalkeeper Milinković-Savić’s penalty-save proved the difference. Anguissa’s goal and presence in midfield were standout. For Lecce, Camarda’s miss and the team’s inability to convert pressure into a goal are key talking points.
Napoli set up in a solid, compact formation, prioritising defensive shape and quick transitions. Their strategy: absorb early Lecce pressure and hit on set-pieces and wide support (Neres’ delivery proved decisive). In contrast, Lecce attempted to press and force turnovers, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third and ultimately paid the price for failing to convert the penalty.
At the Via del Mare, Lecce’s supporters were vocal — the penalty miss amplified the frustration, and the dream of a home upset faded late. Napoli fans, even away, sensed relief rather than euphoria: the win mattered because of the league position.
For Napoli, the three-point haul pushes them clear atop Serie A, giving them momentum and psychological edge. For Lecce, the narrow defeat signals resilience but underlines that little margins — a saved penalty, a set-piece goal — separate survival hopes from slip-ups.
In another gripping Round 9 fixture, Atalanta 1–1 AC Milan in Bergamo. Milan hit the front early through Samuele Ricci (4′), but Atalanta responded in the 35′ via Ademola Lookman to level and salvage a point.
Ricci stood out for Milan, especially for his early breakthrough. Maignan’s saves also kept Milan in contention. For Atalanta, Lookman delivered a key moment and sustained threat; defenders like Hien and Kossounou stepped up under pressure. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s player ratings, Ricci, Maignan and Gabbia rated highest for Milan.
Milan deployed a 3-4-2-1 shape: three at the back, wing-backs pushing high, midfield rotating to press quickly. The early goal allowed them to lean back a little and control tempo. Atalanta set up in a 3-4-2-1 as well, with a very active front-line and full-backs pushing to overload wide areas. After falling behind, they increased their intensity, altered their pressing triggers and sought to make Milan’s back-line uncomfortable. The second-half substitutions from both sides indicated the margin was tight, with Milan aiming to regain control while Atalanta hunted a winner.
At the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Atalanta’s faithful were loud and persistent — after conceding early, they upped their volume and sensed opportunity when Lookman equalised. Milan fans travelling away were more measured: confident at the start, concerned by the equaliser, but relieved at the draw.
For Milan, the point keeps them unbeaten and competitive in the race but also highlights their limitations in converting dominance into full wins.
For Atalanta, the result provides a morale boost — matching one of the big teams at home and reinforcing their credentials.
In broader Serie A 2025/26 context, this draw may prove pivotal: Milan cannot afford too many draws if chasing the Scudetto, while Atalanta build foundation for a push towards the top-four.
These two fixtures emphasise how finely balanced Serie A 2025/26 is.
In Lecce vs Napoli, a single moment (saved penalty, set-piece) made the difference.
In Atalanta vs Milan, the early goal and tactical interplay underlined how marginal blocks and substitutions matter.