Lecce vs Inter Prediction - Serie A Fixtures
A high-stakes clash awaits as Serie A giants Inter Milan travel to Lecce on 26 January 2025 at 17:00. Inter Milan, currently sitting in second place with 47 points, will look to close the gap on league leaders Napoli. Lecce, placed 17th with just 20 points, aims to edge clear of the relegation zone.
This match, officiated by Livio Marinelli, has significant implications for both teams. Inter Milan, recently in the news for Marcus Thuram’s potential move to Arsenal, boasts better form and defensive rigor. Conversely, Lecce, currently negotiating Manchester United’s interest in Patrick Dorgu, has had a mixed run of results. Expect an overcast evening at Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare, with temperatures around 5°C.
Our recommended bet is for both teams not to score, given Inter’s away scoring struggles and Lecce’s home defensive competency. Keep an eye on Inter’s top scorer, Marcus Thuram, to potentially influence the outcome.
Lecce vs Inter Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is “Both teams to score: No.” This tip has been selected based on the following match facts:
- Lecce’s recent form suggests they are less likely to concede goals at home.
- Inter Milan has struggled to score goals when playing away.
- The match is part of Serie A, a league known for its defensive play. Betting tip: Both teams to score: No. Odds are 1.85.
- Lecce’s solid defensive record at home can thwart Inter’s attacking efforts.
- Historical data shows Inter Milan has had trouble finding the net in away matches.
- Serie A’s typically defensive style of play complements this prediction.
Lecce vs Inter Odds
When it comes to the odds, Inter Milan is the firm favorite to win this clash against Lecce. Given their position in the Serie A standings and Lecce’s struggle near the relegation zone, bookmakers are leaning heavily towards an Inter victory.
| Lecce vs. Inter Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Lecce to Win | 8.89 |
| Draw | 5.25 |
| Inter Milan to Win | 1.32 |
Inter Milan’s form and squad depth, led by top scorer Marcus Thuram, make them the clear front-runner. Lecce, on the other hand, will face a tough battle and will need to rely on home advantage and solid defensive strategies to keep Inter at bay.
Lecce Team Analysis
Lecce has had a rocky recent run of games with just one win in their last five matches. Their form reads as:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cagliari | Lecce | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Empoli | Lecce | 1-3 (Win) |
| Lecce | Genoa | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Como | Lecce | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Lecce | Lazio | 1-2 (Loss) |
Lecce has struggled defensively, keeping only one clean sheet in their last five matches. They have also averaged 1.00 goal per game in this period, showing room for improvement both in defense and attack. Key injuries and the absence of players like Nikolai Krstović, their top scorer with 6 goals, have definitely hurt their form. Furthermore, the potential transfer of Patrick Dorgu could also impact their defensive stability going forward.
Lecce Key Players
Lecce will heavily rely on their top scorer, Nikola Krstović, who has netted six goals this season. His attacking prowess will be critical against a solid Inter defense. Another key player to watch will be Patrick Dorgu, the 20-year-old Danish left-back drawing interest from Manchester United. His three goals and one assist have made valuable contributions from the back. Expected lineup for Lecce:
- Goalkeeper: Wladimiro Falcone
- Defenders: Frédéric Guilbert, Federico Baschirotto, Gaby Jean, Patrick Dorgu
- Midfielders: Lassana Coulibaly, Balthazar Pierret, Thórir Jóhann Helgason
- Attackers: Santiago Pierotti, Nikola Krstović, Tete Morente
Individual battles to watch: Krstović vs. De Vrij and Dorgu vs. Dumfries.
Lecce Suspensions & Injuries
Lecce are dealing with a number of injuries and one suspension, which will likely impact their performance in the upcoming match against Inter.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Lameck Banda | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Kialonda Gaspar | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Medon Berisha | Thigh injury | Doubtful |
| Hamza Rafia | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Antonino Gallo | Thigh injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Rémi Oudin | Personal reasons | About 1-2 weeks |
| Filip Marchwinski | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
Suspension
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ante Rebic | Red card | 1 match left |
With so many key players on the sidelines, Marco Giampaolo will need to make tactical adjustments. Patrick Dorgu and Nikola Krstovic will be vital to holding the fort against the Inter side.
Lecce Tactics and Formation
Lecce Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Nikola Krstovic
- Midfield Trio: Lassana Coulibaly, Balthazar Pierret, Thorir Helgason
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Utilisation of left-back Patrick Dorgu, especially given his attacking capabilities, which have garnered interest from other major clubs.
Given their injury and suspension challenges, Lecce will need to rely on Dorgu’s versatility and Krstovic’s goal-scoring to maintain their offensive stance. Coach Marco Giampaolo will focus on solid defensive organisation to counter Inter’s expected attacking pressure.
Inter Team Analysis
Inter have showcased their competitive edge in the last five matches, securing three victories, one draw, and one defeat. Their recent performances indicate better form, particularly away from home, enhancing their odds in this matchup. Last 5 Matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sparta Prague | Inter | 0-1 (Win) |
| Inter | Empoli | 3-1 (Win) |
| Inter | Bologna | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Venezia | Inter | 0-1 (Win) |
| Inter | AC Milan | 2-3 (Loss) |
Despite occasionally conceding goals, Inter have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five matches. They have averaged 1.80 goals per game, demonstrating a solid offense driven by players like Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. Their recent form underlines their status as bookmaker favorites against Lecce.
Inter Key Players
Inter Milan is a team brimming with key talents who can turn the tide of any match. Their standout performer this season has been Marcus Thuram, who is currently their top scorer with 13 goals. Thuram’s attacking prowess will be crucial in breaking down Lecce’s defensive setup.
In midfield, Nicolò Barella is a player to watch. His ability to control the tempo and create chances makes him an asset.
Expected lineup for Inter:
- Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
- Defenders: Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, Carlos Augusto
- Midfielders: Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski, Kristjan Asllani, Federico Dimarco
- Attackers: Lautaro Martinez, Mehdi Taremi
Look out for intriguing individual battles, particularly between Thuram and Lecce’s central defenders Federico Baschirotto and Gaby Jean.
Inter Suspensions & Injuries
Inter Milan have a few absences that might impact their squad depth for this match. Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Raffaele Di Gennaro | Finger injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Hakan Calhanoglu | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Yann Aurel Bisseck | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Francesco Acerbi | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
Their injury list includes some crucial players like Hakan Calhanoglu, whose creativity in midfield will be missed. Calhanoglu’s absence could affect their ability to control the pace and create opportunities.
Francesco Acerbi’s potential absence might affect their defensive stability, particularly against Lecce’s top scorer, Nikola Krstovic. Keeping an eye on how these injuries impact Inter’s performance will be key.
Inter Tactics and Formation
Inter Milan’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forwards: Lautaro Javier Martinez and Mehdi Taremi
- Midfield Configuration:
- Right midfielder: Denzel Dumfries
- Central Trio: Nicolò Barella, Piotr Zielinski, and Kristjan Asllani
- Left midfielder: Federico Dimarco
- Defensive Setup:
- Centre-backs: Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Carlos Augusto
- Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer has been reliable, contributing to two clean sheets in their last five games. Notable Strategy:
- Utilizes wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco to provide width and support both defense and attack.
- Relies on the creative interplay between Barella and Zielinski to dominate the central midfield.
- Counts on the forward pair Martinez and Taremi to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense, especially during the second half. Inter’s 3-5-2 formation allows them to be versatile and resilient, making it challenging for opponents like Lecce to break them down.
