Juventuss title hopes suffer blow in 1-1 draw with struggling Lecce

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TURIN, Italy, Jan 3 - Juventuss Serie A title hopes were dealt a hammer blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by relegation battling Lecce on Saturday, with the hosts coming from behind but failing to win after Jonathan David had a penalty saved.

Juventus remain fifth in the standings on 33 points, five off leaders AC Milan who have played a game less. Lecce are 16th on 17 points, five points above the relegation zone.

The home side put in a dominant display but wasted a host of opportunities and, after ending 2025 with three successive league wins, the New Year began in disappointing fashion for Luciano Spallettis men.

Juves first chance came from a corner when Davids glancing header was saved by the foot of keeper Wladimiro Falcone who watched the ball bounce off the post and roll back along the line safely into his hands.

Falcone made another save to tip Andrea Cambiasos low shot around for a corner and Manuel Locatellis first-time effort from the edge of the area went narrowly wide.

Kenan Yildiz played a pass to the unmarked Cambiaso who blasted over from close range as Lecce continued to hang on.

The opening half was in added time when Lecce stunned the hosts. A wayward pass from Cambiaso was pounced on by Lameck Banda who danced his way past two opponents before rifling a shot into the corner.

Juventus equalised four minutes after the break, with Yildizs shot taking a deflection and the ball fell to Weston McKennie who fired past Falcone.

Lecce faced wave after wave of Juventus attacks and the visitors conceded a penalty for