As the new year unfolds, Lecce and Genoa find themselves in a critical showdown in Serie A, separated by just three points in the standings. Both teams will be eager to secure a vital victory when they meet at Stadio Via del Mare on Sunday as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Lecce, under the guidance of manager Marco Giampaolo, experienced a promising start but have stumbled in recent weeks. After a brief period of improvement, the Giallorossi have suffered two consecutive defeats, first losing at home to Lazio and then falling to relegation rivals Como. This latter defeat was particularly damaging, as it allowed Como to leapfrog them in the table. Currently, Lecce sit precariously just two points above the drop zone as they approach the halfway mark of the season.
Despite their struggles, Lecce have shown signs of life offensively, scoring in each of their previous six matches after a slow start that saw them net only four goals in their first 11 games. The pressure will be on Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstovic, who is the team’s top scorer with four league goals. Lecce’s attacking unit averages a mere 0.61 goals per game, the lowest in Serie A, highlighting the need for improvement if they are to secure their place in the league.
On the other hand, Genoa have seen a resurgence since appointing Patrick Vieira as head coach. The Grifone ended 2024 on a high note, bouncing back from a loss to Napoli with a solid 2-1 victory over Empoli. This result was crucial for Genoa as they look to build momentum and climb away from the relegation battle. With four wins in their last six matches, Genoa have managed to create a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Historically, Genoa have had the upper hand against Lecce, winning four of their last six encounters. They will head into this match with confidence from their recent performances and a desire to continue their upward trajectory.
Team News
For Lecce, Marco Giampaolo may welcome back Filip Marchwinski from injury after he resumed full training midweek. However, Mergim Berisha remains sidelined due to a thigh issue, and Lameck Banda along with Kialonda Gaspar are definitely out. French full-back Frederic Guilbert returns after serving a suspension and could see Danish winger Patrick Dorgu shift into a more advanced role on the right flank.
Dorgu has been effective this season with three Serie A goals to his name, closely following Krstovic as Lecce’s leading scorer. The Giallorossi will be hoping for an offensive spark from him as they look to improve their scoring record.
Genoa will be without several key players as well. While Mario Balotelli has recovered from an illness that kept him out of action last week, he is expected to start on the bench. Caleb Ekuban remains unavailable due to injury alongside Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Ruslan Malinovskyi. Despite these absences, Vieira is likely to field a familiar starting XI with Stefano Sabelli stepping in for Norton-Cuffy at right-back.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani, Rafia; Dorgu, Krstovic, Morente
Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj; Zanoli, Thorsby, Vitinha; Pinamonti
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ recent struggles with scoring and defensive issues, this match could turn out to be tightly contested with limited goal-scoring opportunities. Neither side is particularly renowned for their attacking prowess; Lecce have scored only 11 goals this season while Genoa has managed 16.
Prediction: Lecce 1-1 Genoa
