Prediction: Lecce vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Simply looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Serie A table, Inter Milan will make the trip to Lecce on Sunday evening.

Lecce

Starting with the hosts, while Lecce might have secured a shock 3-2 victory against Fiorentina last month, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost for the Salentians. Tumbling down the Serie A table, Roberto D’Aversa’s men are enduring a public domestic crisis. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they slumped to a routine 2-0 loss at the hands of Turin, the Apulia-based outfit have lost five of their previous six top-flight appearances and they will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight examination this weekend. With their extended struggle underlined by a 4-0 drumming away at Bologna earlier in the month, some around the Stadio Via del mare are looking over their shoulder at a potential relegation scrap in 2024. Gaining a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles, it should also be highlighted that Lecce have registered just a single win since opening up the New Year.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Lecce will once again be without the duo of Federico Brancolini and Kastriot Dermaku on Saturday evening. Likewise, struggling with a recent knock and missing out against Torino last week, Zambia international Lameck Banda here.

Shown a second-half red card away at Torino last time out, 26-year-old defender Marin Pongracic will serve a one-match match suspension. Although Roberto Piccoli has notched just a single Serie A strike since the middle of December, the former Atalanta starlet will spearhead Lecce’s charge.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, picking up a Champions League advantage earlier in the week as they secured a 1-0 victory against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan are enjoying a stellar purple patch. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, it is no secret that Simone Inzaghi’s men are tipped as a leading title contender in 2024. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding six-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Nerazzurri will be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Last seen in top-flight action storming their way to a 4-0 romp against Salernitana, the one-time Lazio boss has seen his squad win all of their previous nine straight appearances across all fronts. Riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum, it should also be highlighted that Sunday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat since the end of September.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term Achilles tendon injury and not making a single appearance since back on December 12th, ex-Juventus star Juan Cuadrado will not feature here. Likewise, sustaining a calf issue earlier in the month, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi is once again seen as a major doubt in Apulia.

Bagging the winner against Atletico Madrid in midweek and now finding the net in back-to-back appearances, former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic could be handed a full recall here. The Austrian international could potentially replace Marcus Thuram in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Lecce and Inter Milan met for their reverse Serie A showdown back on December 23rd, the Nerazzurri picked up a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Inter Milan have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A meetings against Sunday’s hosts.
• Lecce have lost five of their previous six Serie A appearances.
• Likewise, the Salentians have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous 10 appearances.
• Inter Milan have won all of their previous four showdowns away from the San Siro by an aggregate score of 11-3.

Conclusion

Picking up a Champions League first-leg advantage in midweek as they secured a 1-0 victory against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan will be looking to make another statement here. Riding what has been a major wave of momentum and simply looking to extend their buffer at the top of the Serie A table, Inzaghi’s men will be smelling a golden opportunity on Sunday evening. Securing a routine 2-0 win when they welcomed Lecce to the San Siro for their reverse meeting on December 23rd, we are expecting a similar outcome in Apulia.

Verdict: Inter Milan win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Dachbet