In a pivotal Serie A matchup, Lecce will host Roma at the Stadio Comunale Via del Mare on Monday, April 1st, 2024. As we approach the business end of the season, this fixture could have significant implications for both teams' ambitions in the league.
Lecce aims to steer clear of the relegation zone, while Roma is in pursuit of securing a spot in European competitions. Here, we delve into the predicted lineups for both squads, based on their current form, fitness, and strategic outlook.
Lecce Predicted XI
Lecce, under the guidance of Luca Gotti, who recently took over the reins, will be looking to build on their rare away victory against Salernitana.
Despite their struggle throughout the season, the team showed resilience and tactical awareness in their last outing.
In the absence of Lameck Banda and Mohamed Kaba due to knee injuries, and Kastriot Dermaku sidelined with an ACL injury, Gotti will likely field a setup focused on defence while exploiting counter-attacks.
The likely XI for Lecce could be: Wladimiro Falcone; Samuel Umtiti, Federico Baschirotto, Marin Pongracic, Antonino Gallo; Alexis Blin, Jens Stryger Larsen; Gabriel Strefezza, Joan González, Kristoffer Askildsen; Lorenzo Colombo
Roma Predicted XI
Daniele De Rossi's Roma has shown a significant upturn in form, bolstering their European competition qualifications aspirations.
With Sardar Azmoun sidelined due to a hamstring injury, and doubts over the fitness of Paulo Dybala and Leonardo Spinazzola, De Rossi has to tweak his lineup accordingly.
Chris Smalling and Renato Sanches could make a return, adding depth and experience to the squad.
The expected starting XI for Roma emphasizes attack and fluidity in the midfield: Rui Patrício; Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibañez, Leonardo Spinazzola; Bryan Cristante, Nemanja Matić; Nicolò Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Stephan El Shaarawy; Tammy Abraham.
Key Players
In this high-stakes match, key players from both sides could be the difference-makers.
Lecce's Key Players
For Lecce, Wladimiro Falcone stands out as a pivotal figure between the sticks, boasting the highest number of saves in the league.
His performance could be crucial in thwarting Roma's attacks.
Roma's Key Players
Roma's hopes could rest on Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose creativity and ability to control the midfield will be vital in breaking down Lecce's defense and carving out scoring opportunities.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match is scheduled to kick off at 5 pm UK time.
Where is the match being played? Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, Lecce.
Can Lecce secure safety in Serie A? Yes, but they need to start accumulating points quickly to avoid relegation threats.
Is Roma in contention for European football next season? Yes, Roma is in a strong position to qualify for European competitions, given their recent form under Daniele De Rossi.
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