Lecce vs Inter: Match Preview and Predictions

Date: January 26, 2025. Time: 19:00. Venue: Via del Mare
Competition: Serie A, Round 22

Injuries: Banda, Berisha, Gaspar, Rafia, Marhvin'ski - Di Gennaro, Correa, Calhanoglu, Acerbi
Suspended: Rebic (Lecce)

Lecce vs Inter: Betting Odds

Lecce

Lecce managed to escape the relegation zone by defeating Cagliari, but soon after, they lost to the same Sardinians, suffering a heavy 4:1 defeat despite leading at halftime. After Cagliari equalized, Marco Giampaolo brought on summer signing Ante Rebic, who had scored only once this season, and within ten minutes, the Croatian received a straight red card. Lecce’s struggles in front of goal continue, as they possess the worst offensive record in Serie A, netting just 15 goals in 21 matches.

Following the defeat, Giampaolo pointed fingers at his star player, Patrick Dorgu. Recently, Manchester United made a €27 million offer for him, which Lecce rejected, holding out for a higher fee. "This week he’s been alright, last week he seemed a bit lost in thought. He’s 20 years old, in the spotlight, being chased by top European teams, that’s normal. He’s human," the coach remarked. In the match against Cagliari, Dorgu filled in at left-back but with the return of the first-choice left-back Gallo, Dorgu is set to return to his usual right flank position.

"The defeat in Sardinia could have been avoided. But let’s not forget that Cagliari is one of the teams that has made significant comebacks this season. I don’t think my substitutions were to blame. When I made similar changes at Empoli, we won. So my choices were logical," Giampaolo added.

"We prepared for the match against Inter from a psychological and concentration standpoint. We must approach this match with Inter with more humility and courage," he concluded.

Inter

On Sunday, the Nerazzurri secured a victory over Empoli in Serie A, with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring, Dumfries netting for the fourth time in five matches, and top-scorer Marcus Thuram coming off the bench to seal the win. Their recent 1:0 victory against Venezia marked Inter's sixth consecutive away win in Serie A without conceding, setting a new club record. Only Milan has managed a better run – eight wins from November 1993 to March 1994 - but Inter could replicate this feat as the away team in the upcoming derby della Madonnina.

Then, during the week, the Nerazzurri faced Sparta in the Champions League, winning 1:0. The coach was uncertain about starting Nicolo Barella for the eighth straight game, but ultimately went ahead with it – leaving Davide Frattesi on the bench.

"We are very satisfied; everything is in our hands. It was a good match, very organized against a physically strong opponent. We were very focused, which is essential. In the second half, we had plenty of chances to add to our tally; a goal was disallowed for a marginal offside. In any case, 16 points is a good result, and I am pleased with how everything is unfolding.

We’ve only conceded one goal in all these matches - from a corner that should not have been given, as an offside was mistakenly not called in that situation. Overall, everything is good. We have an excellent goal difference against strong opponents," noted Simone Inzaghi.

At Via del Mare, the Inter coach plans to rotate his squad. Darmian, Frattesi, and Carlos Augusto are set to feature from the first whistle.

Lecce vs Inter: Predicted Lineups

Lecce vs Inter: Author's Prediction

It’s not uncommon for Inter to drop points against weaker opponents, primarily due to fatigue, a fact acknowledged by Simone Inzaghi on multiple occasions. However, Lecce does not seem to be the team capable of thwarting the reigning champions' progress. At the same time, a rout from the visitors should not be expected; a modest success is more plausible. My prediction is a narrow victory for Inter.