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Falcone Denies David as Juventus Held 1-1 by Relegation-Threatened Lecce

Spalletti defended David after the miss, expressing confidence in his designated penalty takers.

Soccer Football - Serie A - Juventus v Lecce - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - January 3, 2026 Juventus' Jonathan David and Lloyd Kelly react REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Soccer Football - Serie A - Juventus v Lecce - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - January 3, 2026 Juventus' Jonathan David in action with Lecce's Mohamed Kaba REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Soccer Football - Serie A - Juventus v Lecce - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - January 3, 2026 Juventus' Weston Mckennie scores their first goal REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
Soccer Football - Serie A - Juventus v Lecce - Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy - January 3, 2026 Lecce's Lameck Banda scores their first goal REUTERS/Alberto Lingria

Overview

  • Lameck Banda capitalized on an under-hit pass to put Lecce ahead in first-half stoppage time, before Weston McKennie leveled soon after the break.
  • A VAR review awarded Juventus a 66th-minute penalty for Mohamed Kaba’s handball, but Wladimiro Falcone read Jonathan David’s Panenka attempt.
  • Juventus controlled play and fashioned multiple chances, with Kenan Yildiz hitting the post deep into stoppage time.
  • Falcone produced several decisive saves and was named player of the match in post-game coverage.
  • The result leaves Juventus fifth on 33 points, five behind leaders Milan, as Lecce sit 16th on 17 points, five clear of the drop zone.