Lecce has parted ways with manager Roberto D’Aversa following his altercation with Verona striker Thomas Henry, culminating in a headbutt after their 1-0 home defeat on Sunday. The Serie A club confirmed the decision on Monday, citing the unsportsmanlike incident as the reason for D’Aversa’s dismissal.
In a statement released on the same day, U.S. Lecce condemned the manager’s actions, stating, “After the events that took place at the end of the Lecce – Verona match, U.S. Lecce announces that it has relieved coach Roberto D’Aversa of his duties.”
The incident resulted in both D’Aversa and Henry receiving red cards. D’Aversa, who had joined Lecce in June 2023, publicly apologized, attributing the incident to continuous provocation faced by his players towards the end of the game.
Lecce’s performance this season has been lackluster, with only five wins in 28 league games, placing them 15th on the table with 25 points—just one point above the relegation zone. Verona’s victory in the match allowed them to overtake Lecce, securing the 13th position with 26 points.
The club now faces the challenge of regaining stability under new leadership to secure their Serie A status.