Fiorentina vs Lecce prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-08-26 16:30.
Fiorentina opened their Serie A (SA) campaign in some style, routing newly-promoted Genoa 4-1, but they failed to build on that in Europe midweek, losing the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off against Rapid Vienna (1-0). Boss Vincenzo Italiano has “faith” his side can turn that tie around as they seek to avenge their loss in the final last season, but before that, he must prepare his charges for the visit of Lecce.
Despite their struggles in Europe, the Viola have lost just two of their last 17 SA matches (W10, D5), while they are unbeaten in league action on their own turf since early February (W5, D3). Italiano will hope that his side can take that positive form into this clash given that Fiorentina have won just one of the last five home H2Hs (D1, L3), although that sole victory did come last season (1-0).
Lecce travel north having made the perfect start to their campaign, winning both of their first two competitive games by a one-goal margin. The Giallorossi stunned last season’s runners-up Lazio in their SA opener, scoring in the 85th and 87th minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, a performance that left boss Roberto D’Aversa “proud” of his players.
With the opportunity to win their opening two SA games for the first time ever, D’Aversa will be hoping his side can keep up their good record on the road from last season which saw Lecce win more points away (19) than at home (17). Maintaining that may require an increase in their output in front of goal as Lecce only outscored three SA teams last season, two of which were relegated.
Players to watch: Fiorentina veteran Giacomo Bonaventura scored and assisted on matchday one, and he’ll look forward to this fixture as he’s unbeaten in five meetings with Lecce (W3, D2). Lecce’s Pontus Almqvist has netted twice in as many appearances for his new club – he’ll now be looking to score in three consecutive matches for the first time.
Hot stat: Lecce matches averaged 2.08 goals last season, fewer than any other SA side.