Football is well and truly back with the return of the Serie A this weekend. Still recovering from the Scudetto loss last season, Inter will look to beat Milan to the top of the table and in the race for the second star. Turns out a lot has changed over the course of the summer in the Nerazzurri camp. While arguably the best player last season has left to join Antonio Conte at Spurs, a familiar face is back. It’s all coming together as the Lecce vs Inter game draws closer.
Inter will travel to Stadio Comunale Via del Mare on Saturday for their opening game of the season. Simone Inzaghi will have a solid set of players to pick from. But worries remain in terms of a reliable Perisic replacement on the left. Robin Gosens has been out more than he has been in, not really a signing that was expected by the club. For the time being, Darmian looks like Inzaghi’s only option in the position.
Lecce vs Inter: A Recovery from Pre-Season?
Inter’s pre-season must have worried a few supporters. The side barely looks like what it did last season. And is most certainly far away from a solid defensive lineup that can score freely. Inzaghi has put his faith in Handanovic over Onana, a surprise indeed.
With these developments, it’s increasingly crucial for Inter to win against the newly promoted Lecce. Thankfully for Inter, Lecce have not won in any of their last 16 season openers. And the last time they registered a win against the Nerazzurri was 22 years ago. Inter won’t cruise past Lecce but it should be three points at the end of the game for Simone Inzaghi’s men.
Lecce vs Inter Statistics and Encounters
Lecce were dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Cittadella in their last fixture and have won only twice in their last five. Coming to the top flight with the sole aim of survival, they will hate playing the Nerazzurri in the first game itself. Lecce aren’t among the tricky away games for Inter. And they often open the door for more goals after the first blood. But, the newly promoted outfit will look to make the most of Inter’s defensive shambles judging from what they saw in the pre-season.
Lecce’s form: W-L-W-L-L
Inter’s form: W-D-L-D-L
A pre-season to forget for Inter has been their highlight of recent form. But to Inzaghi’s credit, he had a billion combinations to try and perfect his lineup. And to a large extent, the Nerazzurri made frequent comebacks after going down. There’s surely more to Inter’s abilities with the new additions over the summer. But, if Inzaghi fails to unlock his side in the opening game, it can be an uphill climb to lay a claim on the Scudetto.
Suspensions, Injuries and Team News
Dermaku and Tuia will be unavailable for Lecce due to injuries.
Brozovic, D’Ambrosio, Dalbert and backup keeper Brazao will all be unavailable due to injuries.
Probable Lineups
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone, Gendrey, Blin, Baschirotto, Gallo, Bistrovic, Hjulmand, Helgason, Strefezza, Ceesay, Di Mariano
Inter (3-5-2) Handanovic, Skriniar, de Vrij, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Calhanoglu, Darmian, Lautaro, Lukaku
Prediction of Lecce vs Inter
Inter should and must win this one comfortably. If they fail to do so, it will mostly be because of Brozovic being out with an injury. All in all, this is Inter’s game to win or lose.
Lecce: 0
Inter: 2
