There was a very special and unexpected guest in the stands for Lecce’s final Serie A match of the season, as Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren enthusiastically cheered on the team.
It was a celebration at the Stadio Via del Mare last night, regardless of the 3-2 defeat to Bologna, because the side had already secured their status in the top flight.
Mirren was invited to the arena by President Saverio Sticchi Damiani, as she was in the area to attend a film festival in nearby Monopoli.
She was in the stands wearing white and red, the colours of Lecce’s bitter rivals Bari, so was gifted a Lecce jersey at half-time and happily put it on to join in with the crowd around her.
Mirren is no stranger to Lecce, as she has a holiday home in the Puglia region, near to the city of Santa Maria di Leuca.
She was made a Dame in 2003, having won the Academy Award, a Tony Award and several Emmys.