As the Serie A relegation battle intensifies, Parma and Lecce prepare for a pivotal Friday night clash at Stadio Tardini. Both teams, reeling from defeats against Milan giants last week, find themselves in desperate need of points to escape the drop zone.
Parma enter the match on a disappointing run, having won just one of their last eight league fixtures. Their defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding 17 goals during this period. Last week’s heartbreaking 3-2 loss to AC Milan, where they squandered a lead in stoppage time, epitomizes their recent struggles.
Lecce’s situation appears even more dire. Back-to-back 4-0 defeats have plunged them into the relegation zone, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly away from home. As the league’s lowest scorers with a mere 15 goals in 22 matches, Lecce’s offensive woes compound their problems.
Both teams are level on points, separated only by goal difference, making this encounter crucial in the battle for survival.
History favours Parma in this fixture. Lecce have managed just one victory in their last 23 top-flight meetings against the Gialloblu, a 1-0 win at Tardini in February 2011. The reverse fixture this season ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Parma scoring twice in stoppage time to salvage a point.
The match could hinge on the midfield battle between Parma’s Hernani and Lecce’s Coulibaly. Both players will be tasked with controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover for their respective sides.
Team News
Fabio Pecchia’s side faces significant selection challenges. Defensive options are limited with Botond Balogh, Yordan Osorio, and Alessandro Circati sidelined. Captain Enrico Del Prato is suspended, further depleting the backline.
Creative midfielder Dennis Man is doubtful with a thigh strain, potentially opening the door for Pontus Almqvist to start. New signings Milan Djuric and Jacob Ondrejka could feature as Parma seek to bolster their attack.
Marco Giampaolo’s squad is also hit by injuries, missing key players like Hamza Rafia, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, Lameck Banda, and Filip Marchwinski. Patrick Dorgu is unlikely to feature amid transfer speculation, with Antonino Gallo expected to deputize at left-back.
Nikola Krstovic, Lecce’s top scorer away from home, will be crucial to their attacking hopes
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Suzuki; Hainaut, Valenti, Vogliacco, Valeri; Sohm, Hernani; Almqvist, Cancellieri, Mihaila; Djuric
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Helgason, Coulibaly, Pierret; Pierotti, Krstovic, Morente
Match Prediction
Despite their recent struggles, Parma’s home advantage and slightly superior attacking options give them an edge. Lecce’s poor away form and scoring difficulties suggest they may struggle to keep pace.
Prediction: Parma 2-1 Lecce
