Inter vs Lecce: Match Preview and Prediction

Date: August 24, 2024. Kick-off: 21:45. Location: Milan. Stadium: Giuseppe Meazza
Serie A, Matchday 2

Where to Watch: Megogo

Injuries: De Vrij, Buchanan – Kaba, Gonzalez

Inter vs Lecce: Bookmaker Odds

Inter

Simone Inzaghi expressed his frustration with the performance of his team following the away draw against Genoa (2:2), a sentiment he was unafraid to share both publicly and privately. The coach anticipated a strong showing from last year’s leaders, but his expectations were not met. It became evident that Bastoni and Dimarco are far from their previous season’s form – it is expected that the coach will replace them with Carlos Augusto and Dumfries for the second-round match. Both of these players are questionable, but Pavard is certain to replace Bisseck in the starting lineup (the latter made a crucial error that led to the second goal) – the Frenchman has enjoyed an extra week of rest and is ready for the hard work ahead.

After the match in Genoa, Inter fans joked: “We scored four goals, but two of them were in our own net.” Inzaghi believes that this points loss resulted from a lack of concentration and attention to detail – areas where he is usually regarded as strong. He was likely displeased with Bastoni’s comments following the game, where he stated: “We play too many matches; it’s hard to mentally prepare for them.”

Another concern for Inter revolves around Lautaro Martínez – he is currently not in form. Inzaghi and his staff have devised a special plan for the captain, aimed at getting him back to optimal condition in 10 days, prior to the match against Atalanta.

Lecce

Only one Lecce player escaped criticism from fans after the heavy defeat to Atalanta (0:4) – holding midfielder Balthazar Pierre, who joined the club this summer from the French third division. However, head coach Luca Gotti opted to substitute him at halftime, saying afterwards: “In some moments, he acted incorrectly.”

Lecce struggled for just a half-hour against Atalanta; afterwards, the match was one-sided. “I am working with the squad I have. I want to analyze the mistakes we made and work hard on them. I don’t think you’ve ever heard me complain. I dislike people who complain. I prefer to deal with those who roll up their sleeves and get to work,” Gotti stated.

Inter vs Lecce: Author’s Prediction

In the game against Genoa, Inter players appeared fatigued, particularly towards the end of the encounter. Inzaghi plans to reduce his players’ workloads – according to his plan, the Nerazzurri are expected to gradually feel better and thus perform better as well. But even if the hosts do not find their optimal form before the match against Lecce, it is hard to find any arguments in favor of the guests, who displayed their deficiencies in the first round match.