Lecce vs Istra 1961

Lecce were held to a 2-2 draw by NK Istra 1961 in their third pre-season friendly of the summer at the Rudolf-Gutmann-Stadion in Fürstenfeld, Austria, on Saturday.

Lecce head coach Eusebio Di Francesco continues to rotate heavily during pre-season, and it was the Croatian side who struck first. H. Jaganjac put Istra 1961 ahead in the 39th minute, sending the Serie A outfit into the break trailing 1-0.

Lecce came out with renewed purpose after the interval and were level within six minutes of the restart. N. Štulić stepped up to convert a penalty in the 51st minute, bringing the Giallorossi back on terms.

The momentum swung firmly in Lecce's favour when Y. Maleh found the net with a fine strike in the 65th minute, putting the Italian side 2-1 ahead. It looked as though Di Francesco's men would claim a hard-fought victory.

However, Istra 1961 had other ideas. With just four minutes remaining, D. Ahmeti struck to make it 2-2, denying Lecce what would have been their second win of pre-season.

The result means Lecce remain without a victory in their last two friendlies, having lost 1-0 to FC Politehnica Timișoara on 22 July following their 1-0 win over Szombathelyi Haladas on 19 July. Istra 1961, who drew 2-2 with Udinese on 18 July, continue their own preparations for the upcoming Croatian First League season.

Di Francesco made notable changes during the match, with A. Gallo and K. I. Ndri making way for M. Ubani and N. Kovačić in the 77th minute as Lecce pushed for a winner that ultimately never came.

Lecce's pre-season campaign continues as they build towards the 2026/27 Serie A season, with Di Francesco likely to demand improved defensive solidity after conceding from open play twice in this encounter.