Atalanta travel to the Stadio Ettore Giadiniero for a Monday night clash against Lecce as they kick off their Serie A campaign. The Bergamo club have not been at their best in preseason but given their fine record in this fixture, they should have the edge here.
Lecce finished in the bottom half of the table last season, just three points above the relegation zone. They failed to win any of their final five matches, which was a disappointing way to end the campaign after beginning the season by going unbeaten in their opening five fixtures.
While Lecce will be targeting a repeat of last season’s start, they struggled in preseason, picking up just one win from five warm- up matches. However, Luca Gotti's men did win their first competitive fixture of the season, claiming a 2-1 victory over Mantova in the first round of the Coppa Italia.
Atalanta enjoyed a successful campaign last season, culminating in their Europa League triumph in May. The foundation was laid by an impressive start of four wins from their opening six Serie A matches and manager Gian Piero Gasperini will be targeting a repeat.
Pre-season was difficult for Atalanta as they failed to win a single warm-up game in the summer. The Bergamo club were also beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup last Wednesday.
How the bookies view it: Atalanta still favoured
Atalanta have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 5/6 by Betfred to claim the win. Lecce are considered outsiders at home at 100/30 while a draw is set at odds of 13/5 by Betfred.
Head to head: Atalanta on top
Atalanta have a 10-5 advantage with seven draws from 22 previous matches against Lecce. The Bergamo club did the double last season, winning 1-0 at home before claiming a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Ettore Giadiniero.
Players to watch: Lookman to maintain form
Ademola Lookman was one of the standout players for Atalanta last season, scoring 11 Serie A goals. The Nigerian forward was on target against Lecce last season and is priced at 7/4 by Betfred to find the net on Monday.
Atalanta did not concede in the two matches against Lecce last season and will be targeting a similar outcome on Monday. Berat Djimsiti is always solid at the back and can lead the Bergamo club to a clean sheet at 7/5 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Experienced striker Nicola Sansone is ruled out with injury for Lecce, so Nikola Krstovic should start in attack. Federico Barschirotto is also expected to start at the heart of the defence.
Striker Gianluca Scamacca is ruled out for Atalanta after sustaining an ACL injury in preseason. Lookman is expected to feature in attack while Mateo Retegui could be set to make his debut.
Lecce: Falcone, Gallo, Baschirotto, Kalonda Gaspar, Ramadani, Pierret, Dorgu, Rafia, Tete Morente, Krstovic
Atalanta: Musso, Zappacosta, Djimsiti, Hien, Ruggeri, De Roon, Ederson, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
Anything else catch the eye?
Atalanta won to nil in the two meetings with Lecce last season and a similar outcome is priced at 2/1 with Betfred. All the goals last season were scored after the break and a similar pattern is priced at 11/10 with Betfred.
The Bergamo club are expected to be dominant and could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 23/20 with Betfred.
This Serie A match between Lecce and Atalanta will be played on Aug 19, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Lecce vs Atalanta prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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