Italian Serie A - Atalanta VS Lecce Prediction
Italian Serie A - Atalanta VS Lecce
Match Time:28-04-2025 02:45 Monday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Atalanta BC
Atalanta BC are once again facing significant defensive challenges as they prepare for the visit of Lecce. Injuries continue to plague Gian Piero Gasperini’s backline, with Sead Kolasinac and Giorgio Scalvini remaining long-term absentees, while Stefan Posch is also ruled out.
To compound their issues, Berat Djimsiti picked up an ankle sprain in the AC Milan clash and will not be available for selection, while Odilon Kossounou is still not back to full match sharpness after a lengthy three-month layoff. Veteran defender Rafael Toloi, although rarely a starter these days, may be forced to step in to provide cover.
Gasperini may again need to deploy Raoul Bellanova in a hybrid role, starting centrally in defence before shifting to his more natural wing-back position when the situation allows. Further forward, Charles De Ketelaere, who made a short substitute appearance against Milan, is pushing to return to the starting XI after managing his recent fitness concerns. The Belgian playmaker could line up in support of Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui, the latter continuing to lead the line as he chases the Capocannoniere award.
In terms of formation, Atalanta are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape. Marco Carnesecchi will start in goal, shielded by a makeshift back three of Rafael Toloi, Isak Hien, and Odilon Kossounou. On the flanks, Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta will provide width and attacking thrust, while midfield dynamo Marten de Roon partners Ederson in the engine room. Further ahead, Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman are set to operate in creative roles behind the central striker, Mateo Retegui.
US Lecce
Lecce enter this crucial fixture in Bergamo severely undermanned, particularly in attack. Top scorer Nikola Krstovic, who has contributed 10 of Lecce’s modest total of 23 league goals, will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards.
The Montenegrin striker’s absence leaves a glaring void at the top end of the pitch, one which coach Marco Giampaolo will struggle to fill. Fellow forward Medon Berisha is also suspended for yellow card accumulation, further limiting Lecce’s options in the final third.
Injuries continue to pile up for the struggling Salentini as well. Young defender Gaby Jean recently underwent knee surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. His absence means that Kialonda Gaspar will retain his place at the heart of the defence, alongside ever-present captain Federico Baschirotto. With little to rotate in defence or midfield, Giampaolo is expected to stick with his regular core of players.
Lecce are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation at the Gewiss Stadium. Wladimiro Falcone will take his usual place in goal, behind a back four of Danilo Veiga (right-back), Kialonda Gaspar and Federico Baschirotto (centre-backs), and Antonino Gallo on the left. Shielding the defence will be midfielders Balthazar Pierret and Ylber Ramadani, although Pierret and Lassana Coulibaly may also come into contention depending on tactical needs.
In attack, Santiago Pierotti, Thorir Johann Helgason, and Tete Morente will provide creativity and width behind the lone striker, which is likely to be Ante Rebic in Krstovic’s absence. Alternatively, Lameck Banda or Konan N’Dri could be drafted in as emergency options through the centre, though neither is a natural fit for the role.
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Kossounou; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Lecce possible starting lineup:
Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Pierret, Coulibaly; Pierotti, Helgason, Morente; Rebic
Atalanta vs Lecce Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 45 meetings between Atalanta and Lecce, who lead 19-11.
Atalanta have won their last three games in the fixture by a 7-0 aggregate scoreline.
Lecce are without a clean sheet in seven games in the fixture.
The Bergamo outfit have the second-best offensive and defensive records in the top-flight this season, with 66 goals scored and 30 conceded.
Atalanta are the lowest-scoring side in Serie A this season, with a goal tally of 23.
Prediction: Atalanta BC 2-0 Lecce
Though Atalanta sometimes fail to perform on home soil, Lecce are in disarray, with the Salentini's unpopular board forced to issue a vote of confidence in their head coach. Having turned a corner by beating Bologna and Milan, La Dea can win three games on the spin, all but wrapping up Champions League qualification.
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