Looking to close the gap on the UEFA Champions League spots, Como made a promising start when Anastasios Douvikas charged at goal, forcing Wladimiro Falcone into a save with his feet to deny a low drive.
However, the hosts were perhaps caught off-guard when Lecce opened the scoring in the 13th minute, with Lassana Coulibaly heading home Lameck Banda’s inswinging cross at the back post.
Yet that lead lasted just five minutes, as Douvikas turned home from close range after a strong run and square ball from Jesus Rodriguez.
Armed with the momentum, the Lariani turned the game on its head in the 35th minute thanks to another telling contribution from Rodriguez, who this time applied the finish after being slipped through on goal and rounding Falcone with his first touch.
And with half-time approaching, Cesc Fabregas’ side gave themselves breathing room with a third first-half goal. Perhaps the pick of the bunch, a floated set-piece delivery from Lucas Da Cunha allowed Marc-Oliver Kempf to get his name on the scoresheet with a picture-perfect diving header.
Having already netted three goals as they did in the 3-0 reverse win back in December, Como were in a commanding position heading into the second period.
The hosts were dominating possession and restricting Lecce to precious few chances as the clock ticked past the hour mark. Douvikas then headed narrowly off-target, shortly before a wonderful, flowing Como move ended with Nico Paz unable to make strong contact to put the contest beyond doubt.
Regardless, the home side remained in full control of a low-key second period, passing up late chances as Falcone denied substitutes Alvaro Morata and Assane Diao, but ultimately seeing out a well-deserved victory.
It’s only a second win in six Serie A matches at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia (D2, L2) as Como look to get their Champions League push back on track. Nonetheless, three points sees them rise above Juventus into fifth, just two points off fourth-placed AS Roma, at least for the time being.
As for Lecce, the chance to register successive away victories in the top flight for the first time since February 2023 passes them by, but more pertinently, the Salentini could now find themselves three points adrift of safety should results elsewhere go against them this weekend.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jesus Rodriguez (Como)
