Lecce will take on Napoli on Saturday, 3 May, in a huge match at both ends of the Serie A table.
The hosts come into the game just two points clear of the relegation zone, and if one of Empoli or Venezia can win this weekend, then a defeat to Napoli would see them drop into the bottom three.
For Napoli, the task is now abundantly clear – pick up ten points from their remaining four league matches and they will win the title. A defeat here simply isn't an option.
How the bookies view it: Napoli start as favourites
Given the huge gap between the two teams in terms of league position, it's no surprise that Napoli start this match as the pre-match favourites with the bookies. BoyleSports have priced the visitors as the odds-on favourites at 1/2, while a win for Lecce has been priced at 5/1. The draw, which would keep both teams' fates in their own hands, has been priced at 3/1.
Head to head: Advantage Napoli
Napoli have a good recent record in this fixture and are unbeaten in their last five matches against Lecce (three wins and two draws). As part of that run, Napoli defeated Lecce 1-0 in the reverse fixture in Naples earlier this season. Lecces' last victory over Napoli came in February 2020 when they defeated Gli Azzurri 3-2.
Players to watch: Napoli's big game players to come to the party
For many people in Italy, Napoli are far from the best team in Serie A, but what they do have is a manager in Antonio Conte who knows exactly how to get the maximum from his squad and a group of players who will die for the shirt.
The complete embodiment of this Napoli side is Scott McTominay, who only signed for the club last summer. The Scottish midfielder has had a dream debut season in Naples and he has already proven to be a man for the big occasion with a string of important goals as Napoli have taken control of the title race in Italy.
Another former Man Utd man who is having a good season for Napoli is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian forward, like so many in this Napoli squad, had a point to prove at the beginning of the season, and that chip on his shoulder has served him well this season. He has 12 goals and 10 assists to his name in Serie A so far.
Predicted line-ups
Napoli will be without Alessandro Buongiorno once again this weekend after the defender was rushed back too early last weekend. The former Torino man joins Juan Jesus and David Neres in the treatment room. Lecce will welcome back Nikola Krstovic and Medon Berisha from suspension for this one.
Lecce: Falcone – Guilbert, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo – Ramadani, Coulibaly – Pierotti, Helgason, Karlsson – Krstovic
Napoli: Meret– Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marin, Olivera – Lobotka, Anguissa – Politano, McTominay, Spinazzola – Lukaku
Anything else catch the eye?
Napoli have found their best form when they needed it most and have won their last three matches without conceding a goal. Lecce, meanwhile, have been struggling for many months and have failed to even score in two of their last three home matches. Napoli to win to nil has been priced at 13/10 by BoyleSports.
This Serie A match between Lecce and Napoli will be played on and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lecce vs Napoli prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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