Napoli will look to solidify their hold on the top spot in Serie A as they host Lecce at Stadio Maradona on Saturday.
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Fresh off a win against Empoli, Napoli continues their impressive form with 19 points from eight games, marking their best season start in nearly a decade.
Antonio Conte has revitalized a squad that previously missed European qualification, and with a defense that’s conceded only once in their last five league games, Napoli looks set to challenge for the Scudetto once again.
In contrast, Lecce comes in under pressure after a 6-0 loss to Fiorentina, a result that has heightened scrutiny on manager Luca Gotti.
They’ve scored only three goals this season—among the lowest across Europe’s top leagues—and remain without a win in their last four matches against Napoli.
Lecce’s last defeat saw them drop to 19th, increasing the urgency to improve both defensively and offensively.
Team News
Napoli will continue without Stanislav Lobotka, out with a thigh injury, which means Billy Gilmour may again start in midfield.
Goalkeeper Alex Meret returns to the lineup, while Romelu Lukaku, nearing a milestone of 100 goal involvements in Serie A, is likely to team up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in attack.
Kvaratskhelia, known for his long-range shots, ranks just behind Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic in attempts from outside the box this season.
Lecce, missing the suspended Antonino Gallo, will also be without key players Kevin Bonifazi, Filip Marchwinski, and Medon Berisha. Patrick Dorgu may shift to left-back, allowing Lameck Banda or Tete Morente to join the starting lineup.
Predicted Lineups
- Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Gilmour; Neres, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
- Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Dorgu; Ramadani, Pierret; Banda, Oudin, Rebic; Krstovic
Given the vast disparity in form and confidence, Napoli is heavily favored to extend their winning streak, with Lecce at risk of sinking to the league’s bottom.
