The bottom-placed Lecce will welcome mid-table Empoli to Stadio Via del Mare on Friday in a crucial Serie A encounter. Both teams enter this match with contrasting fortunes and objectives, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.
Luca Gotti’s Lecce find themselves in a precarious position, rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. Their struggles have been particularly evident in attack, having scored just four goals in 11 matches this season. The Salentini’s last victory came against Hellas Verona, breaking a 400-minute goal drought. However, they failed to build on that momentum, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Bologna last weekend.
Lecce’s poor form extends back to last season, with only four goals scored in their last 14 league fixtures. Their defensive record has also been concerning, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per game during this period. A win against Empoli would mark their first back-to-back home victories since September 2023, highlighting the extent of their struggles.
Empoli’s Defensive Resilience
In contrast, Roberto D’Aversa’s Empoli have found stability through their defensive prowess. The Azzurri have kept clean sheets in five of their 11 league matches, a record only bettered by Juventus and Napoli. This defensive solidity has propelled them to the cusp of the top half of the table.
Empoli’s success at the back is exemplified by center-back Mattia Viti, who leads Serie A with 21 tackles this season. Their away form has also been impressive, losing only once in their last seven road games across all competitions.
Team News
Lecce continue to deal with several absences, including Medon Berisha, Kevin Bonifazi, Rares Burnete, and Filip Marchwinski. Balthazar Pierret is doubtful with a muscular issue. Despite their goalscoring woes, Gotti is likely to persist with his attacking trident of Lameck Banda, Patrick Dorgu, and Nikola Krstovic.
Empoli welcome back Saba Goglichidze from suspension but will be without Szymon Zurkowski, Samuele Perisan, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, Sebastiano Esposito, and Jacopo Fazzini due to injuries. Pietro Pellegri may get the nod up front after scoring the winner against Como.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani, Rafia; Dorgu, Krstovic, Banda
Empoli: Vasquez; Viti, Ismajli, Goglichidze; Gyasi, Maleh, Henderson, Anjorin, Pezzella; Solbakken; Colombo
Match Prediction
Given Lecce’s scoring difficulties and Empoli’s defensive strength, this match is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Lecce’s desperation for points may push them to take more risks, while Empoli could look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack.
Historically, Lecce have a strong record against Empoli at home, losing only once in their last five top-flight encounters. However, given the current form of both teams, a draw seems the most probable outcome.
Prediction: Lecce 1-1 Empoli
