Palermo beat Lecce 2-0 in the Coppa Italia, executing their 4-2-3-1 with greater efficiency despite spending less time on the ball. Lecce held 55% possession and produced 18 shots, compared with Palermo’s 12, but the hosts defended their penalty area effectively and made better use of their opportunities. Palermo generated 1.46 xG and placed five attempts on target, with Joel Pohjanpalo scoring once to provide the focal point their attack required. Lecce’s 1.61 xG was marginally higher, yet none of their four shots on target beat a Palermo goalkeeper who recorded a 100% save rate. At the other end, Lecce’s goalkeeper stopped 60% of the five efforts he faced, underlining the difference in finishing and resistance between the sides. Both teams used the same nominal formation, but Palermo’s compact shape without possession and sharper work in decisive areas outweighed Lecce’s greater volume of attacks. Alberto Ruben Arena oversaw a contest defined less by territorial control than Palermo’s discipline in both boxes. Palermo progress with a tactically assured victory over top-flight opposition.