Lecce and Pisa, two teams fighting to avoid relegation in Serie A, will clash at Stadio Via del Mare. Both teams are looking for crucial points as the season nears its midpoint. Currently, Lecce sits three points ahead of Pisa, despite recent defeats for both sides.
Match Preview: Lecce vs Pisa
Lecce faced a disappointing defeat last weekend against Cremonese, losing their first match of December. With only one shot on target, they allowed two goals after halftime. The defeat dropped Lecce to 17th place, just above the relegation zone. Their strikers are struggling, having failed to score in nearly half of their matches this calendar year.
In contrast, Lecce has demonstrated resilience at home, losing only one of their last five fixtures at Via del Mare. They will need to capitalize on this advantage to fend off relegation threats. The last encounter between these two clubs in Serie B, three years ago, ended in a victory for Lecce, but their last Serie A match dates back over three decades, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Pisa’s Current Form
Pisa, after returning to Serie A, seeks to defy predictions of relegation. However, they recently lost to Parma, a defeat that left them in the relegation zone. The Nerazzurri’s performance has declined, particularly after two consecutive home losses, yet they have managed to draw their last three away games against stronger opponents like AC Milan and Torino.
This match is essential for both teams. Lecce aims to regain confidence in front of their fans, while Pisa hopes to break their losing streak.
Team News and Lineups
Both teams have injury concerns. Lecce will be without Gaby Jean, Filip Marchwinski, and Balthazar Pierret but has a largely fit squad. Midfielder Ylber Ramadani is expected to play a crucial role alongside Medon Berisha, who has been pivotal in recent goals.
Pisa, however, will miss their top scorer M’Bala Nzola due to a suspension. Henrik Meister is likely to step in as the primary attacker. Coach Alberto Gilardino also faces challenges with several injuries affecting key players like Calvin Stengs and Juan Cuadrado.
Potential Lineups
| Team | Possible Lineup |
|---|---|
| Lecce | Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly; Pierotti, Berisha, Sottil; Stulic |
| Pisa | Scuffet; Calabresi, Caracciolo, Canestrelli; Toure, Aebischer, Akinsanmiro, Marin, Angori; Tramoni, Meister |
Match Prediction
This match is anticipated to be competitive, given both teams’ urgency for points. Predictions lean towards a low-scoring draw, with both sides registering around ten goals this season in Serie A. A final score of 1-1 may reflect the struggles both clubs face in the current campaign.
