US Lecce vs Inter Milan: Preview and Prediction

Inter Milan will be eyeing top spot when they take on Lecce on Sunday night.

Inter Milan continue their pursuit of retaining the Serie A title as they face Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on Sunday evening. While the Nerazzurri boast the most prolific attack in Italy’s top flight, Lecce sit at the opposite end of the spectrum, having scored the fewest goals this season, making the Salentini long-shot underdogs in this clash.

Fresh off a narrow 1-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the Champions League midweek, Inter Milan remains on track for automatic qualification to the last 16. Lautaro Martinez’s early strike sealed the win, putting Inter on 16 points from seven games. This result continues Inter’s formidable campaign, with just three losses across 30 matches in all competitions, including setbacks to AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana and Bayer Leverkusen in Europe.

In Serie A, Inter are unbeaten in their last 15 league matches, accumulating seven points since the Supercoppa setback. They currently sit second in the standings, just behind Napoli with a game in hand. Their recent league form includes a dominant 3-1 victory over Empoli and a historic sixth consecutive away win without conceding, achieved against Venezia. Inter could equal AC Milan’s record of eight straight away clean-sheet victories set in 1994.

Lecce, on the other hand, have struggled this season and remain locked in a relegation battle. Currently among 10 teams in the bottom half of the table, they find themselves just above the drop zone. New coach Marco Giampaolo has provided some stability, with Lecce losing just one of their last six home games.

However, their lack of goals — only 15 in 21 matches — remains a significant concern. Last weekend’s implosion against Cagliari, where they squandered a lead and suffered a 2-1 defeat, showcased their vulnerability under pressure.

Inter Milan enter this fixture as clear favourites, having defeated Lecce with clean sheets in their last four meetings. For Lecce to secure an unlikely result, they will need to address their attacking woes and take advantage of their home form under Giampaolo. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

US Lecce

Lecce manager Marco Giampaolo will be buoyed by the return of Antonino Gallo from injury, allowing the versatile Patrick Dorgu to shift forward into Lecce’s attacking trident. This adjustment will see Dorgu join Nikola Krstovic and Tete Morente upfront. The duo of Krstovic and Morente has been vital for Lecce, scoring seven of the team’s last eight Serie A goals and accounting for 60% of the club’s strikes this season. Giampaolo will depend heavily on their attacking synergy to trouble Inter’s sturdy defence.

However, Lecce remain without several key players. Ante Rebic is suspended, while Hamza Rafia, Medon Berisha, Kialonda Gaspar, and Lameck Banda are sidelined with injuries. These absences may limit Lecce’s options from the bench, making their starting XI even more critical in this challenging encounter against Inter Milan.

The probable lineup for Lecce in a 4-3-3 formation could feature Wladimiro Falcone in goal. The backline is expected to include Frederic Guilbert, Federico Baschirotto, Gaby Jean, and the returning Antonino Gallo.

In midfield, Thorir Helgason, Lassana Coulibaly, and Balthazar Pierret are likely to provide the balance between defence and attack. Upfront, Patrick Dorgu will partner with Nikola Krstovic and Tete Morente, forming the attacking trio tasked with leading Lecce’s charge at the Stadio Via del Mare.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Helgason, Coulibaly, Pierret; Dorgu, Krstovic, Morente

Lecce vs Inter Milan: Preview and Prediction.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan head into this game missing influential midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Additionally, veteran centre-back Francesco Acerbi has returned to the treatment room, further depleting Simone Inzaghi’s defensive options. However, there is some positive news as Yann Bisseck has resumed training and could make the bench, providing some cover in defence.

With important clashes against AS Monaco in the Champions League and city rivals AC Milan on the horizon, Inzaghi may rotate his squad, but Lautaro Martinez is expected to start after rediscovering his form. The Argentine forward, known as “El Toro,” has found the net in his last three appearances and could extend that streak to three consecutive Serie A games for the first time since February 2024, a month that saw him score a brace at Stadio Via del Mare.

In their expected 3-5-2 formation, Yann Sommer is likely to start in goal, shielded by a defensive trio of Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. The wing-back roles could be occupied by Denzel Dumfries on the right and Federico Dimarco on the left, offering width and attacking support.

In midfield, Nicolo Barella, Kristjan Asllani, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are expected to provide balance, creativity, and defensive solidity. Upfront, Lautaro Martinez will lead the line alongside Marcus Thuram, forming a potent attacking partnership capable of troubling Lecce’s defence.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram

Lecce vs Inter Milan: Preview and Prediction.

Key Stats

  • Inter Milan hold the record for the most wins against Lecce in Serie A, winning 29 of their 37 encounters. They have also scored the most goals (87) against Lecce in the competition.
  • Inter have won each of their last five league matches against Lecce. They scored at least two goals in each of these games (12 goals in total, averaging 2.4 per game) while keeping a clean sheet in the most recent four.
  • Lecce have won only one of their last eight Serie A matches at the Via del Mare stadium against Inter (D3 L4). Their lone victory came on January 29, 2012, with a goal by Guillermo Giacomazzi under Serse Cosmi.
  • Lecce have avoided defeat in five of their last six home games in Serie A (W2 D3). Their only home loss during this period came against Lazio on December 21, in a 1-2 defeat.
  • Inter Milan have won their last seven away league games. In Serie A history, Inter have only recorded a longer streak of consecutive away wins once – 11 wins between October 2006 and March 2007 under Roberto Mancini.

Player to Watch

Lautaro Martinez

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Martinez continues to prove why he is one of the most dynamic and dependable strikers in Serie A. The Argentine forward has been in red-hot form this season, leading Inter Milan’s attacking line with precision and power. With 16 league goals to his name already, Martinez is not just a goal scorer but also a leader on the pitch, often driving his team forward in crucial moments.

What makes Martinez a constant threat is his versatility and work ethic. Whether it’s his ability to drop deep and link play, run at defenders with pace and skill, or poach goals inside the box, the 25-year-old striker has a complete arsenal. His knack for finding the back of the net in high-pressure situations has made him Simone Inzaghi’s go-to player in decisive moments.

Martinez also boasts an impressive record against Lecce, having scored in multiple encounters against them. Heading into this matchup, ‘El Toro’ is in the midst of a hot streak, scoring in his last three Serie A appearances. Notably, Martinez has a history of rising to the occasion in away games, and his influence will be crucial as Inter aim to maintain their unbeaten run on the road.

For Lecce’s defense, containing Martinez will be an immense challenge, as his movement off the ball, clinical finishing, and leadership will likely set the tone for Inter’s attack. If the Argentine forward maintains his current form, Lecce could be in for a long evening at the Via del Mare.

Prediction

Inter Milan 2-0 Lecce

Inter Milan’s attacking firepower, coupled with their defensive discipline, should prove too much for Lecce to handle. Expect an early goal from Lautaro Martinez to settle the nerves, with a second strike coming in the latter stages of the match — potentially from a set piece or a counterattack.

Lecce might show moments of resilience and determination, but their lack of attacking threat and defensive vulnerabilities will ultimately be their undoing. Inter will secure all three points and continue their pursuit of Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.

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