Lecce vs Atalanta Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Italian Serie A
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Lecce are all but safe after an improvement through the spring, whilst Atalanta can confirm UEFA Champions League qualification as soon as this weekend with a victory.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: UK – 17:00 / US EST – 12:00 / US PST – 10:00
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: This match will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK. / This match will not be televised in the UK.
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: This match can be streamed via the TNT Sports app in the UK. / This match can be streamed on Paramount+ in the UK.
LECCE PREVIEW: TRYING TO GET OVER THE LINE
In the summer, after losing manager Marco Baroni to Hellas Verona, Lecce opted for former Benevento coach Roberto D’Aversa and started quite well. They drifted quite badly, though, and D’Aversa deciding to headbutt Hellas Verona forward Thomas Henry allowed Lecce to sack the Italian and replaced him with Luca Gotti.
Since the appointment of Gotti just before the March international break, the southerners have been in much-improved form as they push away from the bottom three and the relegation places. They were beaten 2-0 by Udinese last weekend and that was just their second loss in eight games since Gotti’s arrival.
ATALANTA PREVIEW: AVOIDING BECOMING THE NEW FIORENTINA
Last season, Fiorentina reached the Coppa Italia final as well as a European final in the UEFA Europa Conference League and they lost them both. Well, Atalanta have also reached a European final with the UEFA Europa League final coming up on Wednesday evening but they have done the first part of the Fiorentina double by losing the Coppa Italia final this week.
Up against Juventus, Atalanta fell behind after four minutes due to a Dusan Vlahovic strike but they then generally dominated the action but eventually slid to a 1-0 loss. Atalanta have and had been in exceptional form across all competitions and are still and can confirm UEFA Champions League qualification with a victory in this one.
LECCE TEAM NEWS: A FEW INJURIES TO DEAL WITH
There are several injury issues for Luca Gotti to deal with for this weekend up against Atalanta. Long-term absentee Kastriot Dermaku remains sidelined for the hosts alongside the likes of Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Nicola Sansone.
PREDICTED XI (X-X-X-X): PREDICTED XI HERE
UNAVAILABLE: Dermaku (Injured), Kaba (Injured), Banda (Injured), Sansone (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ATALANTA TEAM NEWS: KOOPMEINERS OUT SUSPENDED
Key midfielder Teun Koopmeiners will miss this weekend’s trip down south due to suspension, whilst defender Erik Holm is also missing through injury. Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac also remains a doubt for the Bergamasci.
PREDICTED XI (X-X-X-X): PREDICTED XI HERE
UNAVAILABLE: Koopmeiners (Suspended), Holm (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Kolasinac (Injured)
LECCE VS ATALANTA PREDICTION
During their major improvement under Luca Gotti, there has been a focus on the defensive side of the game for Lecce and there is a general lack of goals in their side. For example, their 2-0 defeat at home to Udinese last week means they have scored over one goal in a game on just one occasion in their last 12 matches. Atalanta have had a famous season already but will want something meaningful to show for it rather than two runners’ up medals. In the meantime, though, the focus will be on rejoining Europe’s elite club competition next season and they are the favourites for this one.
LECCE VS ATALANTA TIP: ATALANTA TO WIN
