Lecce - Atalanta

Lecce

Lecce will be hoping their visitors suffer a hangover from losing in Rome, as the Giallorossi still require points to guarantee Serie A safety.

Having been beaten 1-0 in December's reverse fixture, when Lookman scored the only goal, the hosts are therefore intent on overturning that outcome in Salento.

With just one loss from seven games since new boss Luca Gotti arrived, Lecce were confident of seeing off fellow strugglers Udinese on Monday evening; however, following a 2-0 home defeat they are yet to confirm their third straight year in Italy's top flight.

While Gotti's side are still five points clear of the drop zone, failing to score in four of their last six games at Via del Mare - as many times as in the previous 14 - leaves them in some danger with two matches remaining.

In fact, no team has scored fewer home goals in Serie A this calendar year - just six in nine matches - so the pressure is now on top scorer Nikola Krstovic and Atalanta loanee Roberto Piccoli to produce more.

Atalanta

Back on Serie A duty this weekend, Atalanta will try to recover their composure and follow last week's 2-1 home win over Roma, their main rivals for a precious top-five finish and access to next season's Champions League.

Two Charles De Ketelaere goals put Gasperini's side in full command early on, and victory should perhaps have been secured by a greater margin; nevertheless, they now have a three-point buffer with one game in hand.

Although their latest cup defeat will leave a bitter taste, there have been plenty of encouraging signs in 2024: only champions Inter Milan can boast a higher points and goals average during the second half of this season.

Prediction: Lecce 1-2 Atalanta

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