Football: Serie A, Freuler and Orsolini lead Bologna to victory as Lecce lose 2-0

Milan, 12 Apr. (LaPresse) – A goal from veteran Freuler and another from Orsolini secured a 2-0 victory for Bologna against Lecce in the late kick-off of the 32nd round of Serie A. Three crucial points for the Rossoblù, who move up to 48 points in the table in eighth place, five points behind Atalanta. A heavy defeat, however, for the Salentini, who remain third from bottom alongside Cremonese on 27 points. The battle to avoid relegation now looks increasingly like a two-horse race between Lecce and the Grigiorossi. Bologna looked strong in the first half, with Italiano’s side showing no signs of fatigue from their European commitments. After a scare from a Stulic effort early on, the Felsinei took the lead in the 26th minute thanks to Freuler’s headed tap-in following Orsolini’s shot hitting the crossbar after a lob over the onrushing Lecce goalkeeper. It was a colossal lapse by the Lecce defence, who were caught off guard by the Rossoblù striker’s run. Di Francesco’s side paid the price and nearly conceded a second as Casale and Orsolini came close to scoring. In the second half, Bologna continued to press, looking to seal the match, whilst Lecce defended but failed to create any real danger themselves. It was only in the closing stages that the Apulian Giallorossi tried to push forward in search of an equaliser, but found no space in the careful Emilian defence. It was the hosts who doubled their lead in stoppage time through Orsolini, following a perfect assist from Bernardeschi. Bologna take home three crucial points and next Thursday face the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Aston Villa, whilst in a week’s time they visit Juventus. Lecce’s next fixture is at home against Fiorentina.