Chievo 1 : 0 Lecce - Chievo close in on safety

Posted Sunday, May 01, 2011 by PA

Chievo took a giant stride towards Serie A safety as Luca Rigoni's goal gave them victory over strugglers Lecce.

Rigoni struck in the 58th minute to hand his team three vital points at Stadio Marc Antonio Bentegodi.

The victory was Chievo's second in five games, and has lifted them to 12th in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining.

The men from Verona can guarantee top-flight football next term with a win at Juventus next Sunday.

Lecce, meanwhile, remain in 18th place, just one point behind Sampdoria, who hold the last position of safety.

Chievo carved out the first chance in the 17th minute when Davide Moscardelli's six-yard strike went just wide of the far post.

Lecce could have taken a 26th-minute lead but David Di Michele's right-footed effort from eight yards was kept out by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

The visitors continued to press forward and could have taken a 1-0 lead before half-time when Stefano Ferrario's powerful header from Ruben Oliveira's cross went over the bar.

Chievo showed more determination after the re-start and were rewarded before the hour mark.

Lecce goalkeeper Antonio Rosati saved Sergio Pellissier's header but was unable to hold onto the ball leaving Rigoni with an easy tap-in.

Chievo then missed a great chance to double their lead. Pellissier fed Moscardelli inside the area but his close-range shot was off target.

Lecce almost equalised in the 67th minute. Djamel Mesbah got his head to a cross from the left by Di Michele but saw his effort go wide.

With five minutes remaining, substitute Javier Chevanton nodded over the bar from Ignacio Piatti's dangerous cross in what was the last opportunity of the game.