Lecce manager Eusebio Di Francesco has described his side. �s dramatic 3. 2 victory over Sassuolo as nothing less than a cardiac stress test following...
Lecce manager Eusebio Di Francesco has described his side. �s dramatic 3. 2 victory over Sassuolo as nothing less than a cardiac stress test following a 96th minute winner that left the entire Stadio Via del Mare in a frenzied state. Speaking exclusively to GoalZaza after the final whistle, the former Roma boss admitted that while the three points were clinically secured, the manner of the victory was far from comfortable.. �We showed resilience, but my heart nearly jumped out of my chest,. � Di Francesco said with a wry smile.. �At the end of the day, we gave a good account of ourselves, but this is the kind of match that reminds everyone why we love this game. It is a test of nerve and will.. � Lecce, who had trailed twice in the encounter, displayed formidable character to snatch the lion. �s share of the spoils when substitute forward Marco Olivieri struck deep into stoppage time. The goal was a product of sustained pressure and clinical finishing, qualities that Di Francesco has been drilling into his squad since his arrival. In the scheme of things, this victory lifts Lecce away from the relegation zone and offers a morale boost that could prove vital in the weeks ahead. The powers that be at the club will now hope this momentum carries into their next fixture against Bologna. Meanwhile, across the pitch, Nigerian international Samuel Okoronkwo, who came on as a substitute for Sassuolo in the second half, produced a lively display down the right flank. The Super Eagles hopeful showed flashes of pace and trickery that will have caught the attention of national team selectors. GoalZaza understands that Okoronkwo. �s performance, though on the losing side, has further strengthened his case for a call up to the senior squad ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Back in Lagos, at the popular De Supreme Viewing Centre in Ikeja, fans erupted into a chorus of shouts and laughter as the replay of Olivieri. �s winner flickered across the large screen. Some supporters had already begun to pack up their bags in frustration, only to be jolted by the roar of the commentary. One fan draped in the green and white of the Super Eagles was seen thumping his chest and exclaiming,. �This is why we never leave before the final whistle! Football is not for the faint hearted!. � Elsewhere in Abuja, at the Garki Premier Hub, the scene was equally electric as patrons debated whether Okoronkwo should replace Moses Simon in the starting eleven. The night ended with handshakes and debates spilling onto the streets, a true testament to how football unites the Nigerian spirit.
