Torino will be hoping to continue their strong run of form when Serie A resumes, hosting a Lecce side that managed their first win just before the international break. The Granata secured back-to-back wins before the international break to build on their opening day draw with AC Milan. They’ll hope the hiatus hasn’t slowed their momentum, while Lecce will be buoyed by their slender victory over Cagliari at the end of August.
New Torino manager Paolo Vanoli has overseen an unexpectedly strong start, with seven points from the first nine available. This includes a draw against Milan and wins over Atalanta and newly-promoted Venezia.
The Turin outfit currently sit level with Inter, Juventus and Udinese atop the early season standings. While they may not be expected to maintain this lofty position, it’s a marked improvement from last season’s four-point start that left them 11th after three matches.
Lecce will look to build on their 1-0 victory over Cagliari before the break. Luca Gotti’s men endured a difficult start with losses to Atalanta and Inter before securing their first win and goal of the season against Cagliari.
The visitors held on for that victory despite playing the entire second half with 10 men after Patrick Dorgu’s dismissal. Lecce will aim for consecutive wins for just the second time under Gotti, who guided them to back-to-back victories last March to end a two-year drought.
Team News
Torino may be without Nikola Vlasic due to a muscle issue, while Perr Schuurs and Gvidas Gineitis remain sidelined with knee injuries. Summer signing Che Adams has made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist so far.
Lecce will miss the suspended Dorgu following his red card last time out. Mohamed Kaba is also unavailable with a knee problem. Striker Nikola Krstovic scored the winner against Cagliari but will look to improve his efficiency after missing several big chances in the opening matches.
Expected starting XI’s
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Vojvoda, Coco, Masina; Lazaro, Ricci, Linetty, Ilic, Sosa; Adams, Zapata
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret; Morente, Oudin, Banda; Krstovi
