Chevantón was scouted by U.S. Lecce sports director Pantaleo Corvino and signed in the summer of 2001. Despite his 12 goals in 27 games, Lecce were relegated that season into Serie B and Chevantón stayed with them. His presence would prove vital, scoring 18 goals in 30 games to promote Lecce straight back into top flight domestic football. In the 2003–04 Serie A he was the fourth goalscorer of the tournament with 19 goals and became the all-time goalscorer for Lecce, overcoming former Argentina national team and Lecce player Pedro Pablo Pasculli.