Cremonese will welcome Lecce to Stadio Zini this Sunday, aiming to build on their recent success. Both teams are defying pre-season expectations in Serie A, sitting above the relegation zone.
Match Preview: Cremonese vs Lecce
Cremonese recently ended Bologna’s 12-match unbeaten run with a stunning 3-1 victory at Stadio Dall’Ara. This impressive performance came after a streak of three consecutive losses. Evergreen striker Jamie Vardy scored two goals, with Martin Payero contributing another. This win brings Cremonese’s points total to 17 from 13 matches, marking their second-best start in top-flight history.
After winning the Serie B playoffs last season, Cremonese commenced this Serie A campaign strongly, suffering just one loss in nine matches. Under the guidance of experienced head coach Davide Nicola, the team is now well clear of the relegation zone, which is a notable achievement given their recent struggles in November.
However, Cremonese has found home matches challenging, winning only one of their four victories at Stadio Zini. Additionally, they have lost two of their last three encounters against Lecce.
Lecce’s Struggles and Recent Improvement
Lecce has had a difficult time at home, earning the fewest points in Serie A this year. They have gone 11 home matches without scoring, the worst record in Europe’s top leagues. Head coach Eusebio Di Francesco has not secured a top-flight win at Stadio Via del Mare until last Sunday, when Lecce defeated Torino.
Goals from Lassana Coulibaly and Lameck Banda combined with a crucial penalty save from Wladimiro Falcone led to the team’s win. This victory lifted Lecce to 14th place in the league, equating to 13 points from 13 matches.
Team News and Lineups
Lecce’s injury list includes Gaby Jean, Filip Marchwinski, and Balthazar Pierret. However, Di Francesco otherwise has a full squad to select from. Midfielder Ylber Ramadani, who has covered the most distance in Serie A this season at 151.7 km, will be key to Lecce’s performance.
Cremonese has some injury concerns as well, with Mikayil Faye expected to be sidelined due to a sprained ankle. Nevertheless, Federico Bonazzoli and Jamie Vardy have each netted four goals this season.
Projected Lineups
| Cremonese | Lecce |
|---|---|
| Audero | Falcone |
| Terracciano | Veiga |
| Baschirotto | Gaspar |
| Bianchetti | Gabriel |
| Barbieri | Gallo |
| Payero | Ramadani |
| Bondo | Coulibaly |
| Vandeputte | Morente |
| Pezzella | Berisha |
| Bonazzoli | Banda |
| Vardy | Stulic |
Match Prediction
The encounter is expected to be closely contested as both teams have garnered more points away than at home. As Cremonese seeks to leverage home advantage, Lecce aims for back-to-back league wins for the first time since May. Given the improving form of Lecce and their newfound defensive resilience, a low-scoring draw could be on the horizon.
