Napoli vs Lecce prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2024-05-25 16:00.
Although it’s been a foregone conclusion for some time, the last round of the season will see Napoli officially hand the scudetto over to Inter Milan after what could be confirmed as the worst Serie A title defence in history. All Francesco Calzona’s men have left to play for is a spot in Europe next season, which could be secured by finishing ninth, but the Partenopei will need to better Torino’s result on the final day and hope Fiorentina win the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Even sticking to their end of the deal seems a tall order since Napoli have failed to win any of their last six matches (D4, L2), but they have cast themselves as strong finishers in recent times, winning six of their last eight league games on the final day (D1, L1). Regardless of where they end up placing, those in Naples will be quick to forget this campaign, since their side has already been condemned to their lowest Serie A finish since the 2008/09 season.
Opponents Lecce will be looking to take advantage of the glum mood around the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, and register what could be just their third win in the last 19 H2Hs (D8, L8). That would bring the biggest of smiles to manager Luca Gotti, who has never beaten Napoli in seven prior attempts as a manager (D1, L6).
The Giallorossi will be in a celebratory mood either way since their survival was confirmed, taking the pressure off this final day trip. Unlike their hosts however, they don’t possess the confidence of usually ending a campaign on a good note, since they’ve lost three of their last four league matches on the final day (W1).
Players to watch: Matteo Politano rounded off the scoring for Napoli in a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture, and will be keen to contribute again since four of his last five goals have come at home. Attempting to undercut him will be Lecce’s top-scorer this season Nikola Krstović, who has scored the match opener in 12 of his last 16 goalscoring outings.
Hot streak: Napoli have conceded in each of their last 16 Serie A matches – a 17th would equal their club record set in January 1998.