Tuesday evening will see a crucial clash at Stadio Via del Mare as struggling Lecce host Hellas Verona in a match that could have significant implications for the Serie A relegation battle. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions near the foot of the table, desperately seeking points to kickstart their campaigns.
The Salentini have endured a torrid run of form, failing to secure a victory since August. Their recent 1-0 defeat to league leaders Napoli, while respectable, extended their winless streak to six matches. More concerning is Lecce’s goal-scoring drought, having failed to find the net in their last four outings. Manager Luca Gotti faces mounting pressure as his side sits second from bottom with just five points. Lecce’s attacking woes are particularly alarming, having scored a meager three goals all season—the lowest tally across Europe’s top five leagues.
While Verona sit four points above their opponents, their recent form has been equally concerning. Paolo Zanetti’s men have lost four consecutive matches, including a humiliating 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Atalanta last weekend. This defeat highlighted Verona’s defensive frailties, with the Gialloblu now possessing the worst defensive record in Serie A, having conceded 21 goals.
This match presents an intriguing tactical dilemma for both managers. Lecce’s defensive solidity against Napoli suggests Gotti may opt for a cautious approach, looking to frustrate Verona and hit them on the counter. Conversely, Zanetti must decide whether to stick with his attacking philosophy or adopt a more conservative stance to shore up Verona’s leaky defense.
Verona will take confidence from their recent record against Lecce, having won four consecutive matches against the Salentini before taking four points from last season’s Serie A encounters. However, with both teams in such poor form, historical precedent may count for little on Tuesday night.
Team News
Lecce can welcome back Antonino Gallo from suspension, likely reclaiming his left-back spot. Patrick Dorgu, a bright spark in recent weeks, may move to a more advanced role. Striker Nikola Krstovic will lead the line despite his struggles in front of goal.
For Verona, Ondrej Duda is available after serving a one-match ban. Paolo Zanetti may revert to a back four after experimenting with three center-backs, while Cyril Ngonge and Milan Djuric provide attacking options for the visitors.
Expected Starting XIs
Lecce: Falcone; Pelmard, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly, Pierret; Dorgu, Krstovic, Rebic
Hellas Verona: Montipo; Tchatchoua, Ghilardi, Magnani, Bradaric; Duda, Belahyane; Suslov, Kastanos, Lazovic; Tengstedt
Match Prediction
Given the defensive struggles of both sides, we can expect goals in this encounter. Lecce’s home advantage and slightly more robust defensive record could prove decisive. While Verona possess more attacking threat, their vulnerability at the back may ultimately be their undoing.
Prediction: Lecce 2-1 Hellas Verona
