Napoli vs Lecce: Preview and Prediction

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Napoli, currently atop the Serie A standings, will aim to continue their winning momentum when they face a struggling Lecce side at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday. Napoli, under Antonio Conte, are in pursuit of their fourth consecutive league win, while Lecce are reeling from a devastating defeat last weekend.

Napoli’s recent form has been impressive, with a solid 1-0 victory over Empoli in their last game, keeping them two points clear at the top of the table. Conte’s pragmatic style has transformed Napoli into title contenders, combining defensive resilience with lethal counter-attacks. They’ve kept clean sheets in four of their last five Serie A matches and have conceded only one goal during that stretch.

In contrast, Lecce are struggling. Luca Gotti’s side was humiliated 6-0 at home by Fiorentina last week, leaving them second from the bottom of the table with just five points. Lecce’s issues are twofold: they’ve scored only three goals—the fewest in Europe’s top five leagues—and conceded 18, giving them the worst defensive record in Serie A.

Napoli vs Lecce Team News & Tactics

Napoli Antonio Conte’s side will be without Stanislav Lobotka, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Billy Gilmour will continue in midfield despite some criticism, while Romelu Lukaku will lead the attack, supported by the creative talents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano. Alex Meret has returned to training, but Elia Caprile may retain his place in goal. Napoli will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa partnering Gilmour in midfield and Scott McTominay playing centrally in an advanced role.

Lecce Lecce will be without suspended defender Antonino Gallo, while Kevin Bonifazi, Filip Marchwinski, and Medon Berisha remain injured. Coach Luca Gotti is under pressure, and he may tweak his side, bringing in Patrick Dorgu at left-back. Wladimiro Falcone will start in goal, and Lameck Banda and Ante Rebic are expected to provide attacking support to Nikola Krstovic, who leads Lecce’s attack in their 4-2-3-1 setup.

Key Stats

Napoli are unbeaten in their last four Serie A meetings with Lecce, with two wins and two draws.
Lecce are unbeaten in their last three away games against Napoli (W1 D2), but their current form suggests this streak may end.
Napoli have conceded just one goal in their last five Serie A matches, while Lecce have scored the fewest goals (3) and have the worst defensive record in the league (18 goals conceded).
Romelu Lukaku is just one goal or assist away from reaching 100 goal involvements in Serie A.

Player to Watch

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Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian striker has been in excellent form, and with 73 goals and 26 assists in Serie A, he’s on the verge of reaching a major milestone. Given Lecce’s defensive struggles, Lukaku’s physicality and goal-scoring prowess could be crucial in securing another victory for Napoli.

Prediction

Napoli’s form and defensive stability, combined with Lecce’s poor performances, suggest a comfortable win for the home side. Expect Napoli to win and extend their lead at the top of the table.