Lecce 0 : 1 Bologna - Ramirez boosts Bologna

Bologna took a giant step towards defending their Serie A status with a narrow 1-0 victory at Lecce.

Gaston Ramirez struck the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute to hand Bologna their 11th victory this season.

Lecce were unlucky not to equalise before half-time when Daniele Corvia's strike struck the post.

The result has lifted Bologna to 11th in the standings, just one point away from reaching the 40-point mark, a figure deemed sufficient to avoid the drop.

Lecce, meanwhile, lie in the relegation zone, one point behind safety with nine games remaining.

It was the hosts, who were without their team's top scorer David Di Michele through injury, that enjoyed a strong start and almost took a ninth minute lead.

Bologna goalkeeper Emanuele Viviano made a fine save from Corvia's close-range header.

Midway through the first half, Corvia fired wide of the far post from outside the area.

Lecce continued to press forward and could have gone in front before the half-hour mark.

Jeda's header from Gianni Munari's cross went off target.

Despite Lecce's efforts, it was Bologna that took the lead soon after.

Lecce failed to clear the ball inside the area and Ramirez fired towards the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Antonio Rosati.

Bologna could have extended their lead before the interval but Rosati dived to his right to clear Ramirez's eight-yard shot.

Lecce dominated possession early in the second half and had a chance to level matters in the 62nd minute.

Corvia surged inside the area and fired just wide of the far post, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

Lecce continued to dominate possession but were unable to find the finishing touch as Bologna held on for victory.

end