Di Francesco: ‘Lecce did have warning of Juventus kick-off routine’

“I showed the team Juve’s kick-off routine three times this morning, I told them we had to be ready to defend with determination from the very start, and then they scored after 11 seconds,” sighed Di Francesco on Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a Juventus side with a lot of quality, we managed to stay in the game and create some scoring opportunities of our own, and kept it quite a tight match.”

Lecce were ultimately applauded by the home fans at the final whistle, as they had pushed to the end and caused a lot of problems for Juventus, a side battling for the top four.

“They had two goals disallowed, but it’s because they were offside and therefore invalid. This team has a certain DNA, it believes it can compete with everyone when playing in a certain way. We could’ve been sharper with the final ball and the cross, that could’ve allowed us to create more chances.

“We played with a trequartista at times, but tonight it was more of a 4-3-3 trying to prevent them making those passes between the lines with players like Kelly and Cambiaso. We had to deal with those situations, I changed a few things too, because if we tried to close them up, they would get around us on the flanks,” continued Di Francesco.

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Fans of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“In the second half, I put Banda closer to the centre-forward to stop their defenders starting the play out from the back. I think it did allow us to do better, even if we were unable to equalise.

“Both teams wanted to win at all costs, obviously Juventus have more quality, but with the goal advantage they were more comfortable. We had that big chance to equalise straight away after the Vlahovic goal, it was a stunning Di Gregorio save.

“If we had equalised later, it would’ve been good too, as it can even create the momentum to go on and win in the final 15 minutes.”

Now Lecce risk seeing the lead from Cremonese and the relegation zone cut to just one point, if Jamie Vardy’s side manage to get a victory tomorrow against already-relegated Pisa.

Their final two games are away to Sassuolo and at home to Genoa, so both rather tough fixtures.

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Lameck Banda of US Lecce competes for the ball with Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“Whoever we’re up against, we need points. Sassuolo is an important club for me, obviously, that will be potentially a decisive match,” confessed the coach.