Lecce entertain Lazio at the Stadio Comunale Via del Mare in their 2023-24 Serie A opener on Sunday (August 20).
The hosts played their first competitive game of the season earlier this week, beating Como 1-0 at home in the Coppa Italia first round. Pontus Almqvist's 27th-minute strike proved to be the difference.
Lazio, meanwhile, play their first competitive game of the season on Sunday. In their last preseason friendly, they beat Latina FC 9-0 in the Vincenzo D’Amico Memorial on Monday.
D’Amico, the former captain of Lazio, was born in Latina and died on July 1, so this game was organized to honour his contributions to the club. Ciro Immobile bagged a hat-trick in the rout.
Lecce suffered just one defeat in preseason, on penalties against Cadiz. They won 1-0 at home in the Coppa Italia last week. They have won their last two home meetings against Lazio.
Meanwhile, Lazio scored nine goals in their last friendly, where Maurizio Sarri fielded a near full-strength squad. They have conceded at least twice in their last four meetings against Lecce, though.
Nonetheless, the visitors have the upper hand in terms of quality. They have also won their last four campaign openers in Serie A. Lecce, meanwhile, are on a three-game unbeaten run against the capital club.
Considering all these aforementioned factors, expect a high-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Lecce 2-2 Lazio
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Ciro Immobile to score or assist any time - Yes
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