Serie A | Lecce 1-2 Cagliari: The Rooster returns as Belotti brace fires I Sardi to victory | OneFootball

Cagliari came back from behind this evening to defeat Lecce 2-1 at the Stadio Via del mare. A brace from former Torino and Roma forward Andrea Belotti was enough for I Sardi to come away with all three points.

It was a close and even affair but the Sardinians emerged victorious with three points that see them move up to 5th place for the moment. It is their second win of the season, after their 2-0 win over Parma last weekend.

Meanwhile, Lecce’s dismal start to the season continues, as they slump to their third consecutive defeat. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side have just one point to their name, from their opening day draw at Genoa.

Belotti helps Cagliari fight back to claim three points against Lecce

LECCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Andrea Belotti of Cagliari celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Via del Mare on September 19, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Lecce took the lead within the opening five minutes, when Riccardo Sottil put a good ball into the box for centre-back Tiago Gabriel to head home from close range.

Lecce attempted to hold on to their lead but it only lasted 28 minutes, when Marco Palestra gifted a perfect ball to summer signing Andrea Belotti for the experienced forward to poke home. It was Belotti’s first goal since joining Cagliari in just his second appearance for the club.

LECCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Andrea Belotti of Cagliari celebrates after scoring his team’s equalizing goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Via del Mare on September 19, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The hosts dug their heels in and attempted to snatch a victory from Cagliari but the visitors took the lead when Belotti converted from the penalty spot with twenty minutes to go. It was goalscorer Gabriel who committed the foul for the penalty and the young centre-back will be kicking himself after scoring earlier in the match.

It was then Cagliari’s turn to defend and defend they did. I Sardi saw out the rest of the match to claim all three points.