Lecce will host Fiorentina in their first home match after the international break. Last year's H2Hs were incredible. Who will prevail this time?
Lecce survived to experience another Serie A season but it seems like a far more difficult job this year. The team has been struggling from the opening round and picked a single win in seven games.
There isn't an issue that can be singled out in Lecce's game this season. They struggle both in attack and defence. An interesting stat confirms that Lecce are the team that has scored in the fewest Serie A matches in 2024. This includes fixtures from this and the previous season. Their problems are not new and Luca Gotti still doesn't have a solution.
Fiorentina's negative start is now long forgotten, as the team improved in every metric and started winning games in every competition. Their recent 2:1 win over AC Milan was all over the news due to the manner in which they won. David de Gea was once again a hero as he saved two penalties.
Overall, La viola suffered a single defeat in their last ten matches but this stat also includes five draws, so Fiorentina often struggle to convert their chances and drop points.
How the bookies view it: Don't miss these odds
The odds are surprisingly close and there is value on both ends. Lecce have been given 9/4 to win and Fiorentina sit at 25/19 right now. Alternatively, the draw has been estimated at 11/5.
Recent head to head: Expect the unexpected
Lecce spent a few years away from the top flight but came back in 2022 and are in their third consecutive campaign there. The teams met four times across the last couple of years and surprisingly, neither side has the upper hand in H2Hs. Both teams won once and two games ended in draws.
Players to watch: Gudmundsson found his place
Albert Gudmundsson came back from his summer injury and did it with a bang. He scored three goals in three Seria A matches to date, and he is a good option for Sunday.
And when it comes to Lecce, it is impossible to single out a player as the team literally failed to score in four of its last five games.
Probable line-ups
Lecce: Falcone, Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo, Ramadani, Coulibaly, Pierret, Dorgu, Krstovic, Rebic
Fiorentina: De Gea, Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens, Adli, Cataldi, Bove, Colpani, Gudmundsson, Kean
Anything else catch the eye?
Luca Gotti has been trying to force an attacking formation this season but we often see how quickly it changes to the old one when Lecce face a stronger side. We often see them switch back to a literal 5-4-1 when they can't get hold of the ball.
Fiorentina are capable of high-pressure football but even in their current positive form, the fact remains that La Viola have yet to win on the road this season. The Salentini have been a difficult opponent since their return to Serie A and Fiorentina have not won at Stadio Via del Mare since 2020.
This Serie A match between Lecce and Fiorentina will be played on Oct 20, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lecce vs Fiorentina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
