The Granata were the season's biggest surprise, holding Milan to a score of 2-2 before defeating Atalanta and Venezia. While Lecce had Mohamed Kaba, Lameck Banda, Perr Schuurs, Nikola Vlasic, and Zanos Savva out due to injury, Patrick Dorgu was banned, and Ante Rebic made his debut start for the team. Ivan Ilic's cross was met with a spectacular volley from Samuele Ricci, and Nikola Krstovic sliced past Adam Masina to shoot just wide of the far post.

Lecce had the best of the first half, threatening with numerous Krstovic shots that went wide and a diving header by Tete Morente that went just wide of the far post after Rebic's cross. However, after just 20 minutes, Mergim Vojvoda hobbled out due to a muscle injury. Saul Coco also almost cleared Krstovic's header off the line, while Federico Baschirotto's pressing caused Che Adams to fall too easily.