Lecce and Atalanta are set to face off in the opening weekend of the Serie A season.
Atalanta, fresh from their Europa League triumph, will be eager to start their domestic campaign on a high note, while Lecce looks to build on their survival from last season.
Lecce
Lecce Recent Form
Lecce’s recent form has been mixed. They managed a morale-boosting win in the Coppa Italia against Mantova, but their pre-season included losses to Galatasaray, Huddersfield Town, and Nice.
They ended last season without a win in five games, securing their Serie A status with a 14th-place finish.
Lecce Injury News
Lecce will be missing long-term absentee Mohamed Kaba due to a serious knee injury.
Other than that, they have a relatively fit squad, with Nikola Krstovic expected to lead the attack.
Atalanta
Atalanta Recent Form
Atalanta had a strong finish to last season, securing fourth place in Serie A and winning the Europa League.
However, their pre-season has been less than ideal, including a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup and defeats to Parma and FC St. Pauli.
Atalanta Injury News
Atalanta have several injury concerns, with Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini sidelined for several months.
Nicolo Zaniolo is also expected to miss out due to tendonitis. New signings Ben Godfrey and Mateo Retegui are expected to feature, while Rafael Toloi and Sead Kolasinac are doubtful.
Players To Watch
Lecce Player To Watch
Nikola Krstovic – Lecce’s top scorer from last season will be key to their attacking threat. His late goal against Mantova showed his importance to the team.
Atalanta Player To Watch
Charles De Ketelaere – The Belgian playmaker will be pivotal for Atalanta, especially with other key players either injured or potentially leaving. His creativity will be crucial for breaking down Lecce’s defence.
Prediction
Considering Lecce’s solid home form last season and Atalanta’s disrupted pre-season, a 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome.
Atalanta’s injuries and Lecce’s resilience at home might just balance each other out.
