After suffering a cup final heartbreak a few days ago, Atalanta's frantic season finale continues on Saturday evening, when they visit Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare.
We'll preview the Lecce vs Atalanta game, providing a prediction of the most likely outcome of this Serie A game.
Between losing the Coppa Italia decider and heading to Dublin for the Europa League final, the Bergamo club must try to nail down fifth spot in the Serie A.
Atalanta have posted three wins from their last four away matches in the league, and they can continue in that vein this weekend. With no time to dwell on midweek events, the Europa League finalists should prove too strong for Lecce, who have improved under new management but remain vulnerable at the back.
Quick stats
- Lecce, currently positioned 13th with 37 points, will take on Atalanta, who sit comfortably in 5th place with 63 points.
- The hosts suffered 3 losses in their last 6 home matches across all competitions, while Atalanta secured 29 wins out of 51 matches this season.
- Lecce have lost 3 out of the last 6 encounters against Atalanta in the Serie A.
- Luca Gotti's men went undefeated in a stretch of four games, scoring in all of them. However, a more driven Udinese defeated them in the previous round.
- A Lecce goal is highly likely, considering Atalanta conceded goals in 11 of their previous 12 Serie A away games.
- Over the past 10 years, these rivals have clashed five times in the Serie A. With three victories and two losses in this segment, Atalanta have the smallest advantage
Match preview
Atalanta were left heartbroken after their 1-0 Coppa Italia final defeat to Juventus on Wednesday. Despite controlling possession and threatening late on with an Ademola Lookman effort that rattled the post, Gian Piero Gasperini's men were unable to find an equalizer.
This marks the third cup final defeat for Gasperini since taking charge of La Dea, and their wait for a major trophy extends to a staggering 61 years.
With the disappointment of the cup final still fresh, Atalanta must quickly shift their focus back to the Serie A. They face a crucial match against Lecce this weekend, aiming to build on their recent 2-1 victory over Roma.
Two goals from Charles De Ketelaere put Atalanta in control early against Roma, and while the margin of victory could have been wider, they currently hold a three-point buffer in the race for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
While Wednesday's defeat stings, Atalanta can take heart from their overall performance in 2024. Only champions Inter Milan boast a better points and goals average during the second half of the season. The visitors will hope to leverage this momentum and secure a vital win against Lecce.
On the other hand, Lecce will be looking to exploit any lingering negativity from Atalanta's cup final loss. The hosts were defeated 1-0 by Atalanta in December's reverse fixture, and they'll be eager to reverse that result in front of their home crowd.
However, Lecce's own recent struggles can't be ignored. A surprising 2-0 defeat to Udinese on Monday was their first loss under new manager Luca Gotti in seven games, jeopardizing their Serie A safety.
Despite being five points clear of the relegation zone, Lecce's lack of firepower raises concerns. They haven't scored in four of their last six home games, a worrying statistic considering they only managed six goals in nine home matches throughout the entire calendar year so far. The pressure will be on top scorer Nikola Krstovic and Atalanta loanee Roberto Piccoli to find their scoring boots and secure victory for Lecce.
This weekend's clash promises to be a battle between a wounded Atalanta seeking redemption and a Lecce side desperate for points to guarantee their Serie A survival.
Lecce vs Atalanta H2H (Last 10 games)
December 2023: Atalanta 1-0 Lecce
February 2023: Atalanta 1-2 Lecce
November 2022: Lecce 2-1 Atalanta
March 2020: Lecce 2-7 Atalanta
October 2019: Atalanta 3-1 Lecce
February 2012: Atalanta 0-0 Lecce
September 2011: Lecce 1-2 Atalanta
March 2009: Lecce 2-2 Atalanta
November 2008: Atalanta 0-0 Lecce
January 2005: Lecce 1-0 Atalanta
Lecce vs Atalanta prediction
Atalanta are on the cusp of securing a coveted Champions League spot for next season. Their dominant display against Roma last Sunday, spearheaded by a Charles De Ketelaere brace, showcased their attacking prowess. However, the disappointment of Wednesday's cup final defeat to Juventus requires a swift response.
With the Europa League final looming next week in Dublin, Atalanta need to regain their winning momentum. A victory against Lecce would be the perfect tonic to boost their confidence before the showpiece event.
The clash between Lecce and Atalanta promises to be an intriguing encounter. The hosts will be determined to avoid a repeat of their December defeat to Atalanta and capitalize on any lingering negativity from the cup final loss. Meanwhile, Atalanta will be desperate to bounce back with a convincing win and maintain their focus on securing Champions League qualification.
Lecce vs Atalanta predicted line up
Lecce possible starting lineup:
Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Pongracic, Gallo; Almqvist, Ramadani, Blin, Dorgu; Piccoli, Krstovic
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Hateboer, Ederson, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Miranchuk; Lookman, Scamacca
