November 8, 2024. 9.45pm. Lecce. “Via del Mare”
Serie A, Matchday 12
Where to watch: The figs
Injured: Berisha, Bonifazi, Burnette, Hasa, Marchwinski, Pierre – Zhurkowski, Perizan, Ebuhi, Sazonov, Esposito, Grassi, Fazzini
Lecce vs Empoli : Cotes de Paris
Lecce
As the international break approaches, Lecce coach Luca Gotti finds himself under pressure. Following the defeat of the Apulians in their away match against Bologna (0:1), Lecce once again finds themselves at the bottom of the Serie A standings. The left back, Antonino Gallo, managed to contain Riccardo Orsolini while throughout the match, but in the 85th minute he “lost” the winger, who scored…
The match against Empoli poses risks for Lecce, who are facing numerous injury problems, with six players unavailable. Gotti hopes to at least be able to count on midfielder Kaba for this meeting. “We really need him; he adds verticality to the team.” The Frenchman has only played 15 minutes this season so far. He is expected to have a significant role this Friday.
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Empoli
Empoli also have their fair share of injuries, but the team manages to get results despite the challenges, which is why the press rarely mentions the Tuscans’ injury problems. Following their victory against Como, Empoli climbed to 11th place in the table. The team’s success was boosted by promising 23-year-old Pietro Pellegri, who scored in Francesco Totti’s final game for Genoa; the striker scored his first league goal the previous day.
However, the flagship player of the Blues at the beginning of the season is considered to be the central defender of the Albanian national team, Adrian Ismajli – the press notes that recruiters from Naples, Juventus and Inter are actively monitoring him. Empoli will count on its defense and the “Via del Mare” atmosphere: Roberto D’Aversa’s team plays away and had two days less preparation for the match compared to Lecce. A draw would be a good result for the Tuscans.
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Lecce vs Empoli: Author’s Prediction
“The Empoli players will enter the field without burden or criticism,” notes Luca Gotti. And he’s right. I repeat, a draw would suit the visiting team – Empoli head into the international break safely, safe from relegation. On the other hand, Lecce is cornered and has no choice but to push for victory. Still, if the host team manages to get all three points, it will be a hard-won victory.
