Two sides looking to build momentum in the early stages of the Serie A season will face off on Saturday evening as Lecce host Parma at the Stadio Via del Mare. Both teams have collected 4 points from their opening 4 matches and will be eager to climb the table with a positive result.
Lecce have shown signs of improvement after a difficult start to the campaign. Luca Gotti’s men lost their opening two fixtures against Atalanta and Inter Milan, but have since steadied the ship with a 1-0 win over Cagliari and a creditable 0-0 draw away to Torino last weekend.
The Salentini have been solid defensively, keeping two consecutive clean sheets, but goals have been hard to come by. In fact, stretching back to last season, Lecce have scored just once in their last 7 Serie A matches – Nikola Krstovic’s winner against Cagliari. Finding a consistent attacking threat will be crucial to their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Parma have shown flashes of quality in their return to the top flight but have been let down by lapses in concentration. Fabio Pecchia’s young side have taken the lead in all four of their league games so far, but have only managed to hold on for one victory.
Most recently, the Crociati squandered a 2-0 half-time advantage at home to Udinese on Monday, eventually losing 3-2 after having Mandela Keita sent off. Their inability to see out matches from winning positions is a major concern that needs addressing quickly.
Team News
Lecce will be boosted by the return from suspension of versatile Danish international Patrick Dorgu, who is likely to slot in on the left flank. Mohamed Kaba and Lameck Banda remain sidelined through injury.
Nikola Krstovic will continue to lead the line despite his struggles in front of goal. The Montenegrin striker has had the most shots (21) and attempts on target (9) in Serie A this season, but has only found the net once.
For Parma, first-choice goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is available again after serving a ban, but midfielder Mandela Keita is now suspended following his red card against Udinese. Emanuele Valeri, Nahuel Estevez and Adrian Benedyczak are still out injured.
Yoan Bonny is expected to start up front after netting twice already this term. With Valentin Mihaila picking up a knock last time out, Matteo Cancellieri should continue on the left wing.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret, Oudin; Morente, Krstovic, Dorgu
Parma (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Del Prato, Balogh, Circati, Coulibaly; Bernabe, Hernani; Man, Sohm, Cancellieri; Bonny
Prediction
While Lecce have tightened up defensively, their lack of goals is a major concern. Parma have shown they can score but their habit of surrendering leads is equally worrying. With both sides having clear strengths and weaknesses, this has the makings of a tight, low-scoring draw. Lecce’s home advantage may just give them the edge, but don’t expect a classic.
Prediction: Lecce 1-1 Parma
