Lecce - FC Internazionale predictions and free betting tips [25/02/2024]

Today as part of the 26th tour of the Italian Serie A, Lecce will host Inter on their turf. While the Nerazzurri edge ever closer to the Scudetto, the hosts have lost five out of their last six matches and are only four points ahead of the relegation zone.

Lecce

Lecce sit 13th in the Serie A table, a mere four points clear of the relegation zone. The team from Apulia had a solid first half of the season, but their performance has fallen sharply recently: the hosts have lost 7 out of their last 9 games, managing a single victory, and not managing to score in eight of them! After an unexpected victory over Fiorentina (3-2), the red-yellows consecutively succumbed to Bologna (4:0) and Torino (2:0)—second-half goals were scored by Bellanova and Duvan Zapata. After Lecce's final February encounter with Inter, the team will face a crucial trio of matches against Frosinone, Verona, and Salernitana, which could determine their survival in the top-flight division.

Moreover, it should be noted that the hosts perform quite admirably on their home ground, collecting 19 points from 12 home fixtures, scoring 15 goals and conceding 17. Lecce's key winger Banda (2 goals and 4 assists) is still not fully recovered from his injury. The same goes for defender Dermaku and goalie Brankolini, while Pongracic and Dorgu are suspended. Right back Zhandri, who was previously serving a suspension, is available to play this Sunday. During the January transfer window, the club parted ways with several bench players, whereas young Argentine striker Pierotti (Colón) moved to Italy, although he is yet to make his debut for his new club.

Inter

Inter is making a fabulous impression this season and is firmly progressing towards the Scudetto. Currently, the team from Lombardy is leading Serie A, one game in hand and a 9-point lead over closest pursuers. Accumulating a whopping 63 points, the Milan team has only had a better score at this stage of the campaign in 2007. Since the start of the championship, the Nerazzurri only lost once, at the end of September. During the winter, the visitors have been in excellent form, winning their last six matches, defeating Verona (2:1), Monza (1:5), Fiorentina (0:1), Juventus (1:0), Roma (2:4), and Salernitana just last weekend (4:0). Inter, who won the Italian Super Cup at the end of January, overcame Madrid's Atletico in the first round of the Champions League last week (1:0) thanks to a late strike from Marco Arnautovic.

By scoring in 19 consecutive Serie A away fixtures, Simone Inzaghi's protégés could for the first time in the club's history reach the 20th mark. Inter's squad remains without centre-back Acherbi, experienced right-back Cuadrado, and midfielder Sensi—all injured. Marcus Thuram has joined them in the infirmary, having sustained an injury in the Champions League. Nerazzurri boast the Serie A's best attack and defence, with forward Lautaro Martinez impressively topping the scoring charts (20 goals). Hakan Çalhanoğlu (9 goals and 3 assists) masterfully orchestrates the team's midfield, ably aided by Barella and Mkhitaryan. During the winter transfer window, winger Buekenen (Brugge) joined the Lombards, while reserves Agoume (Sevilla) and Salsedo (Lecce) moved on loan.

Head-to-Head

In their last 15 encounters with Inter, the Salentini managed just one victory, losing 11 times. The first-leg duel ended with a 2:0 victory for the Milanese.

Match prediction: Lecce - Inter

The Via del Mare is a stronghold against any visiting team. However, Lecce is deep in crisis, suffering five losses in their last six rounds. The visitors, on the other hand, are full steam ahead towards the coveted Scudetto, leaving no stone unturned. Inzaghi's deep bench allows him to seamlessly rotate the squad amid a tough schedule; thus, we confidently anticipate a Nerazzurri triumph.