Unbeaten Juventus travel to Lecce for a crucial Serie A clash, as the Bianconeri look to keep their title aspirations alive while their hosts fight to climb away from the relegation zone.
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Match Preview
Juventus
The Bianconeri remain one of Europe’s unbeaten sides this season and boast Serie A’s best defensive record, conceding only seven goals in 13 games.
However, their attacking woes continue, with a streak of stalemates earning them the moniker of “draw specialists.”
Juventus arrive at this fixture following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the Champions League. Their defensive resilience was on display, but a lack of creativity up front was evident.
The team has recorded 17 draws in 2024, equaling a club record set in 1956, and another stalemate on Sunday would set a new milestone.
Despite their struggles in front of goal, history is on their side. Juventus have won their last five Serie A meetings against Lecce, including a dominant 2-0 victory at Via del Mare earlier this year.
Lecce
Lecce, sitting precariously two points above the relegation zone, made a managerial change during the international break by appointing Marco Giampaolo.
The move paid immediate dividends as Lecce secured a 1-0 victory over Venezia earlier this week – their first away win and away goal of the season.
Patrick Dorgu, one of Serie A’s standout young talents, provided the crucial goal in that match.
However, Lecce’s offensive struggles remain glaring; they’ve managed just six goals in 13 league matches, making them one of the least potent sides in the league. Breaking through Juventus’ rock-solid defense will be a monumental task.
Team News
Juventus
Injuries continue to plague Juventus. Dusan Vlahovic (thigh) faces a race against time to be fit, while Arkadiusz Milik is ruled out until 2024.
Bremer, Juan Cabal, Nico Gonzalez, and Douglas Luiz are also sidelined, leaving manager Thiago Motta with limited options.
Timothy Weah may lead the line in an unconventional role, supported by Francisco Conceicao, Teun Koopmeiners, and Kenan Yildiz.
Predicted Lineup:
Di Gregorio; Danilo, Kalulu, Gatti, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Weah
Lecce
Marco Giampaolo will be without Lameck Banda (ankle), Medon Berisha, Kevin Bonifazi, and Balthazar Pierret.
Ante Rebic, who has a strong track record against Juventus, could start alongside Patrick Dorgu and Nikola Krstovic in attack.
Predicted Lineup:
Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Dorgu, Rafia, Pierotti; Krstovic
Key Matchups
- Patrick Dorgu vs. Juventus Defense
Dorgu’s youthful energy and creativity could trouble Juve’s backline, but the experienced duo of Danilo and Gatti will aim to neutralize him. - Timothy Weah vs. Lecce’s Backline
In an unfamiliar striker role, Weah’s pace and movement will be critical against a Lecce defense that lacks agility.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled in front of goal, making this a likely low-scoring affair. Juventus’ experience and defensive solidity should be enough to edge past a resilient Lecce side.
Prediction: Lecce 0–1 Juventus
