Lecce were on the verge of promotion and Vicenza heading for relegation, but there was controversy and concern when Vicenza goalkeeper Nikita Contini and a ball boy were hit by a flare, followed by a total turnaround.
The incident occurred soon after Gabriel Strefezza had given Lecce the lead in Vicenza’s Stadio Romeo Menti at the 69th minute.
Flares and various explosive fireworks were thrown on to the pitch by Lecce supporters and one of them exploded right next to both goalkeeper Contini and a 12-year-old ball boy, leaving them stunned.
Play was halted for 10 minutes and Contini was eventually stretchered off wearing a protective collar.
The drama continued deep into stoppages when Vicenza were awarded a penalty, it was saved from Riccardo Meggiorini, but had to be retaken because Gabriel had moved off the line too early.
Vicenza changed penalty taker and Davide Diaw converted at the second attempt.
The hosts then went 2-1 up 13 minutes into injury time with Filippo Ranocchia’s scorcher from distance.
The result leaves everything still up in the air, although Lecce are top of the table and Monza in second.
#Lecce, festa rinviata. #Monza secondo. #Caserta in caduta libera a #Benevento, delude #Corini, crolla la #Cremonese
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) April 30, 2022