Lecce - Mister Abate's Juve Stabia emerged from the Coppa Italia match against Lecce with their heads held high, despite suffering a 2-0 defeat.
Despite the result, the team from Castellammare di Stabia showed they're already in top form, confirming their excellent preseason performances. The Campanians dominated the game for long stretches, seriously challenging a team from a higher division, but were punished by questionable refereeing and a lack of consistency in front of goal.
A generous penalty
The match, played on August 15th, was hotly contested from the start. Lecce took the lead thanks to a very generous penalty awarded by VAR for a handball by Battistella. Krstović converted the penalty, but Juve Stabia did not lose heart.
Abate's boys created several goal-scoring opportunities, with Candellone forcing goalkeeper Falcone into a series of crucial saves.
Things got even worse for Lecce with Banda's red card for a foul on Mosti, who was on the counterattack. Despite their numerical superiority, Stabia couldn't equalize. Candellone, in particular, had the most obvious chances, but found themselves facing a Falcone side in a prime, who repelled every attempt.
The attack needs strengthening: the coach's worry
The defeat highlights a problem the team is already aware of: the lack of a true finisher. With the sale of Adorante , the attack still lacks a key player. Despite the strong performances of the youngsters Cacciamani and Burnete, the absence of a significant center forward has been felt.
Coach Abate tried several solutions, but Lecce's defense held firm, thanks in part to a blocking tactic that allowed them to maintain their lead. Although Kaba's goal, assisted by the young Camarda, sealed the match, it didn't take away from Juve Stabia 's excellent performance , which held its own against a renowned team.
The team must now focus on the first league match against Virtus Entella, knowing that to compete at the highest level, they need a reinforcement in attack.
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I read the article and I think Juve Stabia did well despite the defeat. The referee made many errors, and the opposing goalkeeper was in good form, but the team must continue to work hard to improve.