Inter vs Lecce prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-03-04 17:00.
Napoli might be over the horizon at the Serie A (SA) summit, but with Inter Milan sitting just three points above fifth-placed Roma coming into the round, Simone Inzaghi’s men will be desperate to tighten their grip on the UEFA Champions League places. A crucial month, which also sees them play the second leg of their last 16 UCL tie against Porto, begins with a visit from Lecce, a side they have fared well against in recent history after winning their last eight home H2Hs.
Players beware however, as Inzaghi seemed unimpressed with his side’s latest outing – a 1-0 defeat to Bologna – with the coach stressing a need to "cut out complacency". He might have a point, as Inter’s seven losses from their 24 league games so far is more than any campaign after as many games since 2016/17 (also seven) – a season in which they finished seventh.
The Nerazzurri’s ominous SA home record (W10, L2) might prove too hot to handle for a Lecce side in the lower reaches of the table, but the visitors shouldn’t be ruled out. Despite losing 1-0 at home to Sassuolo in their last outing, the Giallorossi have won their last two league away games and now chase a third successive travelling victory for only the second time in their SA history.
There’s a piece of history up for grabs at this venue too, as after drawing 2-2 to AC Milan in their last appearance at the San Siro (2019/20) they could now go consecutive games unbeaten at this stadium for the first time since the turn of the century. Precautionary measures means there will be no away fans in attendance to witness such a feat if it occurs, yet manager Marco Baroni may be hoping for an inspired start regardless as Lecce haven’t lost a SA away game after striking first since 2011 (W10, D2)!
Players to watch: Inter will be hoping Lautaro MartĂnez can perform well here as they’ve triumphed in each of his last 13 goalscoring SA home outings. Assan Ceesay could prove key to any Lecce result as he netted in their last away outing, and also struck in the reverse fixture defeat (2-1).
Hot stat: No side has scored more SA match-openers at home than Inter’s ten ahead of the round.