LECCE, Italy (Interstat) — In a dramatic finish that defied pregame projections, Lecce opened its Serie A campaign with a 2-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Stadio Comunale Ettore Giardiniero.

The match, which saw all three goals scored after the 90th minute of regulation, was a stark reversal of expectations. Statistical models heavily favored the visitors, with Interstat’s ELO system giving Udinese a 64.10 percent probability to win, and its game simulator projecting a 1-1 draw.

For nearly the entire contest, it appeared the simulator’s prediction would hold true. The teams battled through a scoreless first half and deep into the second, with chances limited and defenses in control. The deadlock was finally broken in the 90th minute, but not in the manner most anticipated.

Lecce forward Lameck Banda, who would finish as the game’s most influential player, broke through with what seemed to be a decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time. His strike sent the home supporters into a frenzy, believing they had secured a 1-0 win at the death.

The drama, however, was only beginning. In a chaotic sequence during stoppage time, Udinese found an immediate response. Substitute Oumar Solet scored moments after the restart, capitalizing on an assist from fellow substitute Idrissa Guèye to stun the home crowd and level the score at 1-1.

With the match seemingly destined for the projected draw, Lecce mounted one final attack. Again, Banda was at the heart of it. The Zambian international turned provider this time, setting up midfielder Omri Gandelman for a stunning winner deep into added time. Gandelman’s goal, the last significant action of the match, completed a whirlwind finale and secured all three points for the home side.

The frantic conclusion was preceded by a physical second half. Lecce substitute Nicolò Bertola received a yellow card in the 64th minute. Banda was booked in the 83rd minute for Lecce, and Guèye received a yellow for Udinese in the 89th minute, just before the scoring eruption.

The result gives Lecce an ideal start to the Serie A season, moving its league record to 1 win, 0 losses. Udinese, conversely, begins its campaign with a disappointing 0-1 record. The records across all competitions are identical for both clubs following this season-opening fixture.

Banda’s performance, featuring a goal and an assist, was the clear catalyst for Lecce’s victory. Gandelman provided the decisive moment with his late winner, while Udinese’s substitutes Solet and Guèye combined briefly to give the visitors hope. The match will be remembered for its breathtaking and improbable conclusion, a three-goal flurry in the dying moments that overturned both the scoreline and the pregame odds.