Lameck Banda (foto: Screenshot)
Lecce winger Lameck Banda collapsed late during the Serie A match against Napoli, prompting urgent medical treatment as Antonio Conte described the frightening moment.
A disturbing moment interrupted the Serie A match between Napoli and Lecce after Lameck Banda collapsed on the pitch during the closing minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The incident happened with only four minutes left on the clock. Lecce prepared a free kick while chasing an equaliser with Napoli leading 2-1. Suddenly the 25-year-old Zambia international fell to the ground, forcing the referee to stop play immediately.
Medical staff rushed onto the pitch with a stretcher and medical buggy to assist the winger. After initial treatment, Banda left the field in an ambulance waiting outside the stadium and went to the hospital for further tests.
The crowd inside the stadium applauded the player as he left the pitch. Early reports later confirmed that Banda remained conscious.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte stood close to the scene and described the moment after the match.
"I was right there preparing the wall for a free kick, and I saw him looking a bit shaky. He started to go down, and then he had his hand on his chest, which really frightened me."
"I rushed onto the field and called for help. I hope he is doing well and has a quick recovery. Banda is a good lad, and he is expecting a baby too, so I wish him and his family well."
The dramatic incident overshadowed the result of the match. Lecce started strongly and took the lead after only three minutes through Jamil Siebert.
Napoli responded quickly after halftime. Rasmus Højlund, on loan from Manchester United, scored soon after the restart to equalise for the home side.
The winning goal arrived just over twenty minutes before the end when Matteo Politano finished a decisive move to secure all three points for Gli Azzurri.
The victory leaves Napoli in third place in Serie A, nine points behind leaders Inter and one point behind AC Milan, who still face Lazio later this weekend.
Lecce remain in a tense position near the bottom of the table. They sit 16th, only three points above the relegation zone, with pressure increasing in the final weeks of the season.