Lecce - Fiorentina predictions and free betting tips [02/02/2024]

On Friday, 2nd February, within the framework of the 23rd round of the Italian Serie A, Lecce will host Fiorentina at their home ground. The hosts find themselves in the perilous proximity to the relegation zone, while Fiorentina's hopes of reaching the Champions League have significantly faltered due to disappointingly recent results.

Predicted Line-ups

Lecce: Falcone; Gendri, Pongračić, Baskirotto, Gallo; Kaba, Berisha, Udin; Almqvist, Krstović, Sansone.

Fiorentina: Terracciano; Faraoni, Ranieri, Martínez Quarta, Parisi; Arthur, Duncan, Bonaventura; González, Beltrán, Sottil.

Stadium

The duel will take place in Lecce at the Via del Mare Stadium.

Lecce

Lecce holds the 14th spot in the Serie A league table, merely 3 points adrift of the relegation zone. The Apulian team started off rather well, then dropped gears: Roberto D'Aversa's wards haven't won in the last 6 rounds (1 draw and 5 losses). At present, they have suffered 3 straight defeats: against Lazio (1:0), Juventus (0:3) and Genoa last weekend (2:1). The solitary point since mid-December was gleaned at home against Cagliari, yet another team embroiled in a survival fight. Considering that the next four Serie A fixtures will see the hosts going up against clubs vying for European football, including Inter Milan, it is crucial not to falter on Friday evening. Notably, the red-yellows' home performance isn't all that bad: in 11 home matches they've gained 16 points, scored 12 goals and conceded 15.

Lecce will have to contend with the absence of defender Dermaku and key winger Strefezza, both of whom are injured for quite some time. Last weekend saw the return of African players Rafia, Tuba and Banda. After a long goal drought, Montenegrin striker Krstović (5 goals) finally managed to find the back of the opponent's net last round, especially considering that the hosts had scored only 2 goals in their last 6 matches. During the winter transfer window, Argentine winger Pierotti was acquired from Colón, whereas young Faticanti and Smailović, along with Listkovski opted to leave, seeking playing time in Serie B.

Fiorentina

This season, Fiorentina aspires for a Champions League spot. At present, the Violas hold the 6th spot in the Serie A league table, trailing behind fourth-placed Atalanta by just two points. After 5 undefeated rounds (4 wins and 1 draw), the Tuscans failed to deliver their best in the last 3 matches. Failing to defeat Udinese at home (2:2), Vincenzo Italiano's wards then suffered losses to Sassuolo (1:0) and Inter (0:1) last weekend - Lautaro Martínez's first-half goal decided all. White-purple had clear chances of drawing points if Nicolás González hadn't missed a penalty 15 minutes from the end of the game. It's the second consecutive match where Fiorentina has missed a penalty with a 1-0 score. Previously, Jonathan Ikoné failed to convert a penalty in the Supercup semi-final against Napoli.

Having qualified for the Italian Cup semi-finals and advancing to the last 16 in the Europa League, until March Fiorentina can devote their attention to the domestic league. The visitors are still without central defender Dodo, holding midfielder Castrovilli, Croatian winger Brekalo and backup goalkeeper Kristensen. Ivory Coast international Kouamé remains at the African Cup of Nations, and winger Sottil recovers from an injury. Ikoné will have to serve his suspension this Friday, while left back Biraghi is back from injury. This winter, experienced defender Faraoni (Verona) was invited to the team to make up for the loan loss of Pierozzi (Salernitana). Promising centre-back Krastev (FeralpiSalo) went to Serie B seeking playing time.

Head to Head

In the first leg, these teams drew 2:2. Moreover, Lecce hasn't been able to defeat Fiorentina in their last four encounters.

Lecce - Fiorentina match prediction

Lecce is in deep crisis, having lost five times in their last six rounds. The hosts quite justifiably find themselves close to the relegation zone, it's unlikely that they can steal points from a motivated Fiorentina. The visitors still retain good chances of finishing in the Champions League zone and are eager to make amends to their fans for the successive two losses. My prediction - an away victory with a 0 handicap.