Lecce secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Monza at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare, with Ivan Ilic producing a two-assist masterclass to inspire his side to a crucial three points in the Serie A relegation battle. The hosts made a blistering start and took the lead on just 3 minutes when Lassana Coulibaly finished clinically from Ilic's cross from the left, curling the ball into the far corner beyond the Monza goalkeeper. Thiagu Gabriel doubled the advantage on 11 minutes, latching onto another Ilic cross, this time from the right, and slotting home with composure. Monza responded well, though, and pulled one back on 20 minutes when Samuele Birindelli converted Riccardo Mangas's low cross from the left. But Lecce restored their two-goal cushion almost immediately, with Danilo Veiga making it 3-1 on 21 minutes. Konan N'Dri was booked on 38 minutes for a foul. In the closing stages, Monza pushed forward in search of a comeback and got their reward on 89 minutes when Ezequiel Sebalos reduced the deficit to a single goal. Danilo Veiga was booked on 90 minutes. Lecce dominated with 15 shots and 52% possession, while Monza managed 11 attempts. Ilic was named man of the match for his two assists. With seven points from four games, Lecce climb to ninth, while Monza remain 19th with just one point.
