Giampaolo: ‘Lecce gain confidence, prestige and position’ with Juventus

Marco Giampaolo notes that clawing Juventus back for a point in stoppages gives Lecce ‘confidence, prestige and boosts our position in the table.’

The coach was brought in over the break for international duty after Luca Gotti was sacked and remains unbeaten for the Salentini.

He had made his debut with an excellent 1-0 victory away to Venezia, then his men kept pushing to secure a 93^rd-minute equaliser against Juventus.

Ante Rebic came off the bench and tapped in the Nikola Krstovic assist after Andrea Cambiaso’s effort was deflected in by Kialonda Gaspar, although they rode their luck in the first half when Khephren Thuram and Francisco Conceicao hit the upright.

Giampaolo has revitalised Lecce

“I am happy because the team played well and snatching a point in stoppages, when you do not stop fighting, that gives us a lot of confidence,” Giampaolo told DAZN.

Krstovic is a striker who occasionally seems isolated, so would he benefit from having Rebic alongside him rather than as a winger?

“Rebic had two very good performances. I do think we have the options for both those systems, you can see he has great experience and confidence,” added the coach.

“He is an extra weapon for Lecce and the fact he didn’t start today means nothing, he is a first team player. If we do change system from the start, he will be upfront, but it’s all about finding the balance.

“We will discuss that from game to game, I am very happy with how Rebic has been playing.”

Lecce are still unbeaten since Giampaolo took charge, picking up four points from two Serie A matches, so he has brought a great deal to the team.

“I spent two years at home, so you can imagine how satisfying it is to be back here. The team played with humility and spirit against a team that makes possession its best quality. It is a prestigious result and one that also boosts our position in the table, so I am happy for all of that. Above all, it means I will sleep well tonight!”

Giampaolo is known for his attacking style, which is necessary when Lecce are the least prolific side in Serie A.

“In the last 10 days we have worked largely on playing football, keeping the ball and going forward. I think we need an extra step forward, less so on the defending. You want to do so much, but I have to take it slowly with the players, because otherwise it can get a bit confusing.”