The deadlock was broken after 13 minutes when Massimo Tarantino intelligently cut back for Fabio Pecchia's low drive. The Rossoblu dominated early on and went close to doubling their lead through a Julio Cruz header, Matteo Brighi piledriver and Renato Olive effort.

However, it took just five minutes to claw back an equaliser with Gica Popescu's first goal in Serie A. The Romanian's header on a corner kick took Gianluca Pagliuca by surprise.

The veteran incredibly doubled the visitors' lead just before the break with a fierce drive from the edge of the box. Delio Rossi's men had two scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes and converted both of them. Max Tonetti had the chance to make it three but he was halted for a very dubious offside ruling.

Cruz nodded wide from a good position at the dawn of the second half, while Lamberto Zauli boosted their attacking potential. Beppe Signori brought a splendid reaction save out of Antonio Chimenti as the siege continued.

The pressure eventually paid off when another Tarantino cross was met by Signori, but it was Cruz who pounced on the deflected effort from close range.

The celebrations lasted just 60 seconds before Javier Chevanton struck on a classic counter-attack. Yet again, the game was turned around in a non-stop emotional rollercoaster as Signori's magnificent free kick clattered off the crossbar and into the net.

Salvatore Fresi has already set his new personal best this season and increased his tally with a powerful header from a corner kick as Bologna regained the lead with their fourth goal.

Lecce almost scored an own goal with Lorenzo Stovini, but his mis-hit effort thumped the crossbar.