- Fixture: Lecce vs Bologna
- Date: Sunday, 11 February 2024
- Venue: Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, Lecce
- Kick-off: 15:00 CET / 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET
As Serie A enters its 24th round, Lecce host an in-form Bologna in a match that presents two contrasting objectives—Lecce fighting to stay clear of relegation and Bologna pushing for European qualification.
Current Form & Standings
Lecce (14th, 24 points)
Lecce come into this match on a high after a crucial 3-1 away victory against Parma last weekend. Goals from Nikola Krstovic and a Santiago Pierotti brace helped overturn a 1-0 deficit, moving Marco Giampaolo’s side three points clear of the relegation zone.
However, Lecce’s home form is concerning, with the Giallorossi failing to win their last three matches at Via del Mare.
Bologna (7th, 37 points)
Bologna are in exceptional form, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. They currently sit seventh in Serie A, just three points behind Juventus in sixth and within five points of the Champions League spots.
Their recent success includes a historic Coppa Italia victory over Atalanta, securing a semi-final berth for the first time in 26 years.
Head-to-Head Record
Bologna have dominated this fixture in recent years:
- Unbeaten in their last eight Serie A matches vs Lecce (W6, D2)
- 10-match unbeaten run vs Lecce across all competitions
- Their second-longest active streak against any current Serie A team
Team News & Expected Lineups
Lecce Team News
Lecce’s main attacking hope rests on Nikola Krstovic, who has been crucial this season, scoring three match-winning goals—only behind Romelu Lukaku and Che Adams in Serie A.
However, they will miss several key players due to injury:
- Filip Marchwinski
- Hamza Rafia
- Kialonda Gaspar
- Lameck Banda
Bologna Team News
Bologna face selection headaches of their own, with doubts over two key attackers:
- Riccardo Orsolini (injury doubt)
- Jens Odgaard (injury doubt)
If both miss out, the attacking responsibility will fall to Santiago Castro, Benjamin Dominguez, and Dan Ndoye. The absence of Lewis Ferguson will also limit their midfield options.
Predicted Lineups
Lecce (4-3-3):
Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, Gallo; Helgason, Ramadani, Pierret; Pierotti, Krstovic, Karlsson
Bologna (4-2-3-1):
Ravaglia; Calabria, Erlic, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Ndoye, Fabbian, Dominguez; Castro
Match Prediction
Bologna enter as favorites given their strong form and dominance in this fixture. However, Lecce’s desperation for points in the relegation battle and their recent victory over Parma suggest they won’t go down without a fight.
The potential absence of Orsolini and Odgaard could make things interesting, while Lecce’s home crowd will play a factor.
Prediction: Lecce 1-2 Bologna
