Lecce 1 : 2 Parma - Danger looms for Leece

Lecce remained in the Serie A relegation zone after losing 2-1 in an exciting clash with mid-table Parma at the Stadio Via del Mare.

Lecce, inspired by the lively David Di Michele, had the best chances in a goalless first half only to go two behind as Sebastian Giovinco and Gabriel Paletta scored for the visitors.

Nenad Tomovic reduced the deficit with seven minutes to go but Lecce could not find a second and instead had Andrea Esposito sent off in injury-time.

The result leaves them third from bottom and a point below Genoa.

Di Michele almost gave his side the lead in the ninth minute, firing a free-kick against the post.

He had another shot over the crossbar soon after and then saw a Gennaro Delvecchio header from close-range from another dead-ball situation.

Parma offered only occasional mid-range shots in response and with 28 minutes gone Di Michele again went close as he slid one just wide.

The half closed with Parma getting strong - Jonathan, Giovinco and Daniele Galloppa all carving out chances.

They remained in control at the start of the second period, Giovinco going close with a 56th-minute attempt.

The diminutive forward did hit the target 11 minutes later, this time converting a free-kick to hand Parma the advantage.

Lecce conceded again after 78 minutes, Paletta stabbing home from six yards following a corner.

Parma refused to lie down, pulling one back in the 83rd minute as Tomovic nodded home Di Michele's corner.

Di Michele almost got a deserved equaliser with four minutes to go but was denied by substitute goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini, on in the 63rd minute for the injured Antonio Mirante.

Esposito then ensured Lecce's afternoon ended on a sour note, picking up a second yellow card in the closing seconds.