Inter Milan is set to host Lecce at San Siro on Wednesday evening, aiming to further solidify their position at the top of Serie A. After a recent 2-2 draw against Napoli, where they relinquished two separate leads, the Nerazzurri still remain three points ahead of city rivals AC Milan.
Match Preview
Despite the draw, Inter Milan boasts the most formidable attack in the league, outscoring their closest competitors by 12 goals. Head coach Cristian Chivu is keen to avoid further slip-ups as Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities have become evident, especially against top contenders.
The upcoming match is crucial, as both Napoli and Milan are also scheduled to play midweek, putting pressure on Inter to maintain their advantage. Historically, Inter has an outstanding record against Lecce, winning 18 of their 19 top-flight home meetings. The last three encounters resulted in a 2-0 victory for Inter.
Lecce’s Struggles
Lecce enters this match with a minimal cushion above the relegation zone, having recently suffered defeats against Roma and Parma. Their last outing saw them lose 2-1 despite initially taking the lead, illustrating their ongoing struggles for consistency.
The Salentini have failed to score in five of their last six matches against Inter and have conceded at least two goals in each of those encounters. They will need to be disciplined to avoid further penalties and mistakes on the road.
Team News
Inter Milan will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who is sidelined with a muscular injury. Additionally, reserve goalkeeper Josep Martinez and wing-back Denzel Dumfries are unavailable. Chivu might rotate his squad, introducing Petar Sucic or Henrikh Mkhitaryan into the midfield.
- Inter Milan Expected Lineup:
- Sommer
- Bisseck
- Acerbi
- Bastoni
- Henrique
- Barella
- Sucic
- Zielinski
- Augusto
- Bonny
- Thuram
Lecce, on the other hand, faces significant challenges with core players like Lameck Banda and Kialonda Gaspar suspended, and Tete Morente, Gaby Jean, and Medon Berisha injured. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco is expected to make at least three changes to the lineup.
- Lecce Expected Lineup:
- Falcone
- Veiga
- Gabriel
- Siebert
- Gallo
- Kaba
- Coulibaly
- Maleh
- Pierotti
- Stulic
- Sottil
Match Prediction
Given Inter Milan’s dominance and Lecce’s ongoing difficulties, predictions favor the hosts. With a current scoring streak and a solid record against Lecce, the expected outcome is a 2-0 victory for Inter.
