Lecce vs Napoli prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-04-06 17:00.
Lecce’s most recent encounter with Empoli was delayed for an hour as a result of unique circumstances after both teams were evacuated due to a small fire in the locker rooms. That fiery start was in complete contrast to the dampened performance from the home side who lost the game 1-0 without mustering up a single shot on target. That extended their losing run – without scoring – to five straight games; only the division’s bottom three sides have now netted fewer goals (24).
Despite that torrid run, Lecce’s gap to the relegation zone remains a fairly comfortable eight points, but they’ll still be eager to get back on track. Doing so here against runaway leaders Napoli is a daunting task, especially as Marco Baroni’s men have won just twice at home this Serie A (SA) term (D6, L5). They are, though, one of just five SA sides to take points from the champions-elect after drawing the reverse fixture 1-1.
Napoli are also a wounded beast and will arrive at Lecce following a shock 4-0 home defeat against Milan which saw them concede two SA goals in the opening 25 minutes for the first time since 2019. The atmosphere at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium was not helped by a silent protest against rising ticket prices and there were even reports of fans brawling among themselves – all of which stems from frustrations aimed toward President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
With all that in mind, coach Luciano Spalletti might be glad that this next contest comes on the road. Aiming to build on their 16-point gap at the top, it’s worth noting Spalletti’s side have a formidable away record this season (W12, D1, L1) which has been aided by their recent run of six straight SA away wins – each without conceding a single goal.
Players to watch: Lorenzo Colombo recently netted twice for Italy U21s and was Lecce’s main threat in the reverse fixture when he scored the equaliser, but failed to convert a penalty. Napoli’s Eljif Elmas opened the scoring in that match with one of his six SA goals this term – the remaining five arrived in victories.
Hot stat: Napoli have won each of their eight away SA matches against sides starting this round tenth or lower by at least two goals.