Lecce and Cagliari will face off at Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday evening, with both teams eager to secure their first win of the Serie A season. The hosts have endured a difficult start, suffering back-to-back losses against strong opposition, while Cagliari remain unbeaten after two draws.
Lecce’s challenging opening fixtures saw them fall to Atalanta and Inter Milan, conceding six goals in the process. More concerning for manager Luca Gotti is his team’s lack of offensive output, as they’ve now gone five league games without scoring. Striker Nikola Krstovic will be tasked with ending this drought against Cagliari.
The visitors, under new manager Davide Nicola, have made a steady if unspectacular start to the campaign. A goalless draw with Roma was followed by a 1-1 tie against newly-promoted Como. Nicola’s reputation as a survival specialist could prove crucial for Cagliari this season.
Both teams will view this match as an opportunity to kickstart their campaigns before the international break. Lecce will hope to capitalize on home advantage, while Cagliari aim to extend their unbeaten run at Via del Mare, where they haven’t lost in the league since 2008.
Team News
Lecce may introduce new defensive signings Frederic Guilbert and Kevin Bonifazi to shore up their backline. Krstovic is expected to lead the attack once again.
Cagliari’s Roberto Piccoli returns to face his former club, potentially making his 100th Serie A appearance. Paulo Azzi is likely to retain his place on the right flank, with Nicola expected to make minimal changes to his starting lineup.
This early-season encounter could prove pivotal for both sides as they look to establish momentum in what promises to be a competitive Serie A campaign.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret; Morente, Rafia, Dorgu; Krstovic
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Azzi, Marin, Prati, Deiola, Augello; Luvumbo, Piccoli
