In Lecce, where the southern light and compact streets often make visiting teams work for every metre, Juventus found a calmer route back to winning ways. Luciano Spalletti’s side left Via del Mare with a 2-0 Serie A victory after two successive setbacks, and with Douglas Luiz providing the evening’s clearest encouragement.
The Brazilian midfielder shaped both goals before half-time. In the 29th minute, his free-kick delivery dropped beyond Lecce’s defensive line for Weston McKennie to score. Twelve minutes later, Douglas Luiz stepped forward himself and struck from outside the penalty area to double the lead.
It was a persuasive display from the former Aston Villa player, who has been seeking a more decisive role in black and white. He combined careful use of possession with an eye for space and his familiar late runs from midfield, offering Spalletti an answer at a moment when Juventus needed fresh solutions.
A cleaner evening away from Turin
Juventus did not begin at full speed, but their attacking links grew more fluent as the first half unfolded. Nick Woltemade again gave the forward line a physical focal point, using his stature to occupy Lecce’s central defenders, while Kolo Muani worked alongside him. The German was involved in the visitors’ forward movements as Juventus increasingly connected midfield and attack.
Nico González was unavailable through injury, yet his absence did not significantly alter Spalletti’s plan. Once ahead, Juventus managed the second half with greater control, even as Lecce attempted to find a response in front of their home support.
When the hosts did create openings, Vicario was ready. The former Tottenham goalkeeper made the important interventions required to preserve the lead and secure Juventus’ first away clean sheet since August. For Spalletti, who has repeatedly stressed that defensive reliability must underpin the club’s ambitions, that detail may carry almost as much weight as the two goals.
