Lecce - Atalanta BC predictions and free betting tips [18/05/2024]

On Saturday, 18 May, as part of Matchday 37 of the Italian Serie A, "Lecce" will host "Atalanta" on their home turf. Between a loss in the national cup final and a trip to Dublin for the decisive Europa League match, the Bergamo club will aim to cement their fifth position in the league standings, while the hosts have almost guaranteed their survival.

Stadium

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

"Lecce"

Occupying 13th place in the Serie A table and being five points above the relegation zone, "Lecce" has almost secured their stay in the top division. The Apulians went unbeaten for four matches (2 wins and 2 draws), distancing themselves from the relegation zone. However, last Monday, despite the support of their tifosi, they missed the chance to pull further away from direct competitors and lost to "Udinese" 0-2. In the first half, Lorenzo Lucca put the Zebras ahead, and after the break, Lazar Samardžić strengthened their advantage.

Since the arrival of new head coach Luca Gotti, the hosts have lost just once in their last seven matches, which surely pleases fans; however, the team failed to score in four of their last six duels at Via del Mare—the same number as in their previous 14. Overall, "Lecce" is only 15th in the overall standings in terms of points earned at home (24 in 18 matches, 17 goals scored, 25 conceded).

"Atalanta"

"Atalanta" holds 5th place in the Serie A table and, with a game in hand, is three points clear of sixth place. Thus, "La Dea" has every chance of participating in the upcoming Champions League. Last weekend, Gian Piero Gasperini's side took a crucial step towards this goal by defeating "Roma" 2-1. This triumph over the capital giant followed victories against "Monza" (2-1), "Empoli" (2-0), and "Salernitana" (2-1).

However, last Wednesday, the Bergamasque disappointed their tifosi by capitulating in the national cup final to "Juventus" with a 0-1 score, with Dušan Vlahović's goal at the very start of the match deciding everything. In the Europa League, "Atalanta" dismantled "Marseille" (4-1 on aggregate) and will face Bayer Leverkusen in the final. It is important to note that the guests are seventh in the overall standings in terms of points gained away from home (25 in 18 matches, 28 goals scored, 26 conceded). Key defender Kolašinac and centre-back Holm are absent from Atalanta's squad. 

Head-to-head

After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the December first-leg match, "Lecce" prevailed twice last season. 

Lecce vs Atalanta Prediction

"Atalanta" has won three of their last four away matches in Serie A and stands a good chance of finishing in the Champions League zone. However, the Bergamasque have spent recent weeks in an energy-draining schedule and will likely be both emotionally and physically exhausted after the Coppa Italia final disappointment. "Lecce" will ensure their survival if they gain another point and will be motivated to perform well in front of their home crowd. I'm backing the underdog handicap at +1. 

Total Prediction

In four of the last five head-to-head meetings, both teams have scored. The guests will likely not be in their best physical condition, but are more than capable of scoring. I'm betting on both teams to score. 

Corner Prediction

With the support of the home crowd, the hosts won't remain on their half of the pitch and will regularly threaten the opponent's goal. I'm placing my bet on "Lecce" individual total corners over 3.5. 

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams have not yet decided their goals for the current national campaign, so they won’t treat the match lightly; I'm betting on the overall total bookings over 3.5. 

Score Prediction

I'm predicting a 1-1 draw.