Lecce on brink of drop after Fiorentina loss

Posted Sunday, May 06, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Lecce are almost certain to be relegated from Serie A following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Fiorentina.

Serse Cosmi's team now trail Genoa in the final survival spot by three points but they have only one match left.

Genoa, who play away to Udinese on Sunday, have two chances to get the one point they need to ensure they remain in Serie A next season.

Fiorentina also ensured their own survival, having come into the game needing a point to be mathematically secure.

Alessio Cerci scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes before the break, slotting home from the left side of the box after latching onto Ruben Olivera's through ball.

Andrea Esposito came within a lick of paint of equalising early in the second period but he headed Andrea Bertolacci's corner against the bar.

It was a huge let-down for the giallorossi after their dramatic fightback against league leaders Juventus in mid-week, when they rescued a point five minutes from time despite playing the final 35 minutes with 10 men.

It means they are near certainties to join already relegated Cesena and Novara in Serie B next season.

Later on Saturday, Roma will try to keep their faint European hopes alive as they host Catania.

On Sunday, champions AC Milan play Inter Milan in their city derby while leaders Juventus travel to Trieste to tackle Cagliari.

Juve lead the table by a point from Milan, who need to win to ensure they take the title race to the final weekend.