Prediction: Juventus vs Lecce

Verdict: Juventus win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Seeking what is a much-needed boost on Wednesday evening, a struggling Juventus will welcome Lecce to Turin.

Juventus

Starting with the hosts, while Juventus might have seen their 15-point deduction temporarily overturned last month, the Italian heavyweights are in the midst of an extended rut. Although Massimiliano Allegri’s might have eventually punched their Europa League semi-final ticket on April 20th as they claimed a nail-bitting 2-1 aggregate victory against Sporting Lisbon, the Old Lady have remarkably claimed just a single victory from any of their last eight straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to April 1st. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Bologna, Juventus have also shown some continued issues in the final third. Crashing out of the Coppa Italia last week following a 1-0 loss away at Inter Milan, Allegri’s side have failed to record more than a single strike in their previous 10 outings. Facing what is a real scrap in their bid to punch a Champions League ticket this season, Juve will know they must find some stability over the final few weeks.

Team News

Missing last weekend’s 1-1 draw away at Bologna due to a reported ankle injury, Angel Di Maria could make his return on Wednesday night. However, Juventus will once again be without the injured duo of Kayo Jorge and Moise Kean.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Bologna after returning from a brief knock, Dusan Vlahovic should be handed a full recall in Turin. The Serbian international could come in and replace Arkadiusz Milik in leading the line.

Lecce

As for the visitors, while Lecce might still find themselves at the heart of a Serie A relegation scrap, Marco Baroni’s side will be boosted by a potentially season-defining victory last time out. Putting in a rugged display on home soil as they eventually secured a 1-0 win against Udinese, the Wolves will be desperate to pull off a seismic upset on Wednesday night. However, mustering just a single victory from any of their last nine top-flight appearances – a run that stems back to a 2-1 win against Atalanta on February 19th – Lecce will know that they face a real challenge here. Losing each of their last four Serie A appearances away from the Stadio Via del mare by an aggregate score of 6-0, Lecce should also be worried by a downbeat record against the midweek hosts. Along with a 1-0 loss when they welcomed Juventus to town for their reverse meeting on October 29th, Baroni’s side are rightfully tipped as an underdog pick here.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term injury issue, Lecce will make the trip to Turin on Wednesday evening without Marin Pongracic. Aside from the 25-year-old Baroni’s side have been handed a clean bill of health here.

However, in what could be a major blow for the Wolves in midweek, leading goalscorer and attacking talisman Gabriel Strefezza will serve a one-match suspension. Ex-Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti will once again start at the heart of Baroni’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Serie A meeting on October 29th, Juventus picked up a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Via del mare.
• However, Wednesday’s hosts have remarkably recorded just a single victory from their last eight appearances across all competitions.
• Lecce’s 1-0 victory against Udinese last week was the first Serie A win that they have collected from their last nine appearances.
• Likewise, the relegation scrappers have lost each of their last four Serie A away fixtures by an aggregate score of 6-0.
• When Juventus last welcomed Lecce to Turin back in June 2020, the Old Lady claimed a thumping 4-0 victory.

Conclusion

Holding just a three-point buffer from slipping out of the top-four, it is no secret that Juventus are seeking some crucial stability. However, while Wednesday’s hosts might have recorded just a single victory from their last eight straight appearances, they should rightfully be smelling a chance here. Claiming a 1-0 win when they traveled to the Stadio Via del mare on October 29th, Allegri’s men are rightfully tipped as a standout pick here. Likewise, storming their way to a 4-0 romp the last time Lecce visited Turin back in June 2020, we are expecting a similar home victory here.

Verdict: Juventus win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Unibet