Serie A PREVIEW | Inter v Lecce

After suffering a shocking defeat away to Bologna last week, Inter will aim to recuperate themselves and get back to winning ways when they face Lecce today at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri’s slip against Bologna helped Napoli extend the gap as league leaders. Lazio capitalised on the situation and are now a point ahead of Inter but they can regain second place with a win against Lecce.

Inter have been a formidable defensive side this term as they have only conceded five goals in their last eleven matches in all competitions. Though not clinical in the attacking department at times, Simone Inzaghi’s side have rarely compromised at the back. 

Romelu Lukaku is slowly recovering his form and scoring the winner against Porto in the first leg of the UCL Round of 16 did justice on his part. Inter have only lost once in their last thirteen matches against Lecce, losing back in 2012.

Lecce will aim to keep it tight at the back and hope for a response to the 2-1 defeat in August’s reverse fixture. 

With their resounding win over Atalanta, Lecce went clear by ten points from the relegation spots. Despite their loss to Sassuolo in their last outing, the Salentini look set for survival in the league as they are capable of grinding out favourable performances for the most part of the season.

Results in their last five matches in all competitions

Inter:

L W W D W

Lecce:

L W D W L

Team News

Inter have a busy schedule coming up this month and that may force Simone Inzaghi to make some necessary changes to his side. Defender Milan Skriniar and Federico Dimarco were sidelined with minor issues against Bologna but they may feature today.

Romelu Lukaku will hope to make history today as one of the players to score 50 goals both in the Premier League and Serie A. He is currently at 49 goals and the feat which he aims to achieve consists of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianfranco Zola and Edin Dzeko. 

As for Lecce, Kastriot Demarku, Marin Pongracic and Federico Baschirotto are all ruled out with injuries. Samuel Umtiti is expected to start.

Forward Lorenzo Colombo aims to make his mark today as he seeks for his fifth goal of the season.

Predicted XIs

Inter (3-5-2): Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Gosens; Martinez, Lukaku

Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Gendrey, Umtiti, Tuia, Gallo; Blin, Hjulmand, Maleh; Strefezza, Colombo, Di Francesco

 

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN

 

 

 

 

 

 

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