Serie A’s clash of extremes unfolds on Sunday as struggling Lecce host defending champions Inter Milan at Stadio Via del Mare. With Inter chasing leaders Napoli and Lecce fighting relegation, this Lecce vs Inter Milan Serie A showdown promises tactical intrigue.
Match Overview
Kick-off: Sunday, 26 January 2025 (UK: 17:00 / US ET: 12:00 / US PT: 09:00)
How to Watch:
- UK: Stream via OneFootball
- US: Paramount+ or CBS Sports (select matches)
Inter, unbeaten in 15 league games, aim to close Napoli’s three-point gap. Lecce, 17th and winless in five, face an uphill battle against Italy’s top scorers (51 goals).
Team News
Lecce:
- Suspended: Ante Rebić (forward).
- Injured: Lameck Banda, Hamza Rafia, Kialonda Gaspar, Medon Berisha.
- Predicted XI (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Dorgu; Helgason, Coulibaly, Pierret; Pierotti, Krstovic, Morente.
Inter Milan:
- Out: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (thigh), Francesco Acerbi (defense).
- Doubtful: Yann Bisseck, Joaquín Correa.
- Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zieliński, Dimarco; Martínez, Thuram.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
- Inter’s Dominance: 30 wins in 41 H2H meetings, including five straight victories with four clean sheets.
- Goals Galore: Inter average 2.7 goals per game; Lecce have scored a league-low 15 goals.
- Away Form: Inter are unbeaten in seven consecutive Serie A away matches, winning all.
Tactical Analysis
Lecce’s Survival Hopes:
New manager Marco Giampaolo has stabilized their home form (one loss in six), but defensive lapses persist. They’ve conceded 36 goals, the second-worst in Serie A, with 60% of their goals coming from Krstovic and Morente.
Inter’s Title Charge:
Simone Inzaghi’s side thrives in the second half (league-high 28 goals post-break). Lautaro Martínez, with three goals in his last three games, eyes extending his scoring streak.
Prediction & Betting Tips
Prediction: Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan
Inter’s clinical attack and Lecce’s defensive frailty point to a comfortable away win. Expect Martínez or Thuram to capitalize on set-pieces.
Betting Tips:
- Inter -1.5 Asian Handicap 2.00.
- Under 2.5 Goals (Lecce’s low scoring + Inter’s defensive solidity).
How This Affects the Table
A win would push Inter within three points of Napoli (with a game in hand). Lecce risk falling into the drop zone if Cagliari or Verona win.
The Lecce vs Inter Milan Serie A clash highlights the league’s contrasting narratives. While Inter’s title credentials are undeniable, Lecce’s fight for survival adds drama. Tune in Sunday to see if the underdogs can defy the odds.
