Napoli keen to remain at table top as Lecce visits.
Napoli vs
Lecce
In a clash of contrasting fortunes, Serie A leaders Napoli aim to extend their winning streak against a struggling Lecce side desperate for redemption following a string of defeats, in a high-stakes encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this Saturday.
Napoli
Napoli continued their strong form in Serie A, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli last weekend. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal from the penalty spot three minutes after the hour mark proved decisive, marking their fourth win in five league games.
Antonio Conte, however, wasn't entirely pleased, stating, ‘We were spectators in the first half, without any fire or determination.' He emphasized the need for responsibility at the top of the table, urging his team to play without nerves.
Gli Azzurri are looking to maintain their dominance as they aim for a fourth consecutive league win when they face Lecce this weekend. Historically, Napoli have won two of their last three Serie A matches against Lecce, but the visitors have been tough opponents at Napoli's home ground.
The hosts have failed to win in their past three home league games against Lecce, recording two draws and a loss. Conte is expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation seen against Empoli, deploying Romelu Lukaku, Matteo Politano, and Kvaratskhelia in attack.
Lecce
Meanwhile, Lecce will be looking to reverse their fortunes this weekend, having lost their last four games [DDLLL] in Serie A. Their disastrous run hit a new low with a humiliating 6-0 home defeat to Fiorentina last weekend.
Antonino Gallo's 43rd-minute red card proved even more costly for I Giallorossi, who were already two goals down. They went on to concede four more, resulting in their heaviest defeat of the season.
The loss sparked angry reactions from Lecce fans, with the scheduled post-match press conference postponed for an emergency meeting between club directors and manager Luca Gotti. This further intensified reports of the 57-year-old gaffer potentially being axed.
However, he will have a chance to turn things around when Lecce visits Napoli. A win this weekend could throw him a lifeline and also push Lecce higher up the standings from their current 19th position.
Their struggles in the final third cast doubts on their ability to secure maximum points this Saturday. Lecce has only managed to find the net twice in Serie A this season, making them the team with the fewest goals in Europe's top five leagues in the current campaign.
A 4—2—3—1 formation could be seen, with Nikola Krstović in attack. Meanwhile, Gallo is sidelined due to suspension following a red card last time out.
