Inter Milan face ongoing challenges ahead of their match against Lecce, with key players sidelined, as influential midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu remains out with a thigh injury and veteran defender Francesco Acerbi returns to the treatment room. Despite these setbacks, manager Simone Inzaghi has a potential bright spot in Yann Bisseck, who has recently resumed training and may feature on the bench.
Lautaro Martinez emerges as a key player for Inter, having rediscovered his scoring touch. The Argentine striker has found the net in his last three appearances and stands on the cusp of a potentially significant milestone – scoring in three consecutive Serie A matches for the first time since February 2024.
Inzaghi faces tactical decisions with upcoming matches against Monaco and Milan, but Martinez’s current form makes him likely to start. His recent performances suggest a return to the clinical finishing that has made him a crucial part of Inter’s attack.
The match presents an intriguing tactical battle, with Lecce bringing their own attacking threats. Marco Giampaolo will welcome back Antonino Gallo from injury, allowing highly rated winger Patrick Dorgu to rejoin the attacking lineup. Nikola Krstovic and Tete Morente have been particularly impressive, scoring seven of Lecce’s last eight league goals and responsible for approximately 60% of the club’s Serie A strikes this season.
Lecce continues to battle injury challenges, with several key players unavailable. In addition to the suspended Ante Rebic, the hosts are missing Hamza Rafia, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, and Lameck Banda through injury.
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Helgason, Coulibaly, Pierret; Dorgu, Krstovic, Morente
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
