Juventus will look to continue their unbeaten start to the Serie A season when they travel to face Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on Sunday evening. The Bianconeri remain the only undefeated side in Italy’s top flight after 13 matches, but their tendency to draw games has prevented them from topping the table.
With just four points separating the top six teams in Serie A, Juventus find themselves in a tightly contested title race as they aim to reclaim the Scudetto after a few barren years. Manager Thiago Motta has built his team’s success on a rock-solid defense, conceding just seven goals and keeping nine clean sheets so far.
However, Juventus’ attacking output has left much to be desired. Their struggles in front of goal were evident midweek in a 0-0 Champions League draw at Aston Villa, where they created few clear-cut chances. Improving their offensive production will be crucial if they hope to sustain a title challenge.
The hosts Lecce sit just two points above the relegation zone and recently appointed Marco Giampaolo as their new manager. The change paid immediate dividends as Lecce secured their first away win of the season against Venezia in midweek.
Danish winger Patrick Dorgu was the hero for Lecce, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory. However, with just six goals scored in 13 league matches, Lecce’s attack remains a major concern as they prepare to face Juventus’ formidable defense.
An intriguing subplot to this match is the presence of two of Serie A’s most promising young talents. Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu are the two youngest players to score three or more goals in the league this season. Their performances could be crucial in determining the outcome of Sunday’s clash.
Team News
Juventus are dealing with a slew of injuries that have severely limited Motta’s options. Star striker Dusan Vlahovic is hoping to recover from a thigh issue, while Arkadiusz Milik is out until next year. Winger Timothy Weah may be forced to lead the line if Vlahovic is unavailable.
The Bianconeri are also without Juan Cabal, Bremer, Nico Gonzalez, and Douglas Luiz due to various injuries. Weston McKennie and Nicolo Savona are doubtful, further depleting Juventus’ squad depth.
Lecce will be without Lameck Banda until January due to an ankle injury. Medon Berisha, Kevin Bonifazi, and Balthazar Pierret are also sidelined for the hosts.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Dorgu, Rafia, Pierotti; Krstovic
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Danilo, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Weah
Match Prediction
Given Juventus’ defensive solidity and Lecce’s scoring woes, a low-scoring affair seems likely. The Bianconeri have won their last two away matches against Lecce without conceding, and they’ll be confident of extending that run. While Lecce will be buoyed by their midweek victory, Juventus should have enough quality to grind out a narrow win and keep pace in the title race.
Prediction: Lecce 0-1 Juventus
