Italian Serie A---Lecce VS Sassuolo Prediction

Lecce VS Sassuolo Livescore / H2H stats and Live Streaming
Time:18-10-2025 21:00 Saturday
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Match Preview:
Returning for his second spell in charge, Eusebio Di Francesco inherited a Lecce squad that ended last season on a high, claiming seven points from their final three fixtures to avoid relegation.

However, they started the 2025-26 campaign slowly, with three defeats and two draws from their first five matches, also exiting the Coppa Italia to AC Milan with a 3-0 defeat. So, the Salentini were in need of a long-awaited victory when they met likely relegation rivals Parma at Stadio Tardini.

Scored shortly before half time, Riccardo Sottil's winning goal certainly lifted spirits in Lecce, where the locals are enjoying a fourth straight year in Italy's top flight. Fans have had to be patient, though, as the Giallorossi have won just one of their last 14 Serie A home games - losing nine times and failing to score in eight. Now set to host promoted opponents, they will hope to post a rare victory at Via del Mare this weekend.

On three previous top-flight visits, Sassuolo have never lost in Lecce, though they did lose the teams' most recent encounter 3-0 on home turf. Since that defeat in April 2024, when they were en route to relegation, the Neroverdi have bounced back to Calcio's elite level under the steady guidance of Fabio Grosso.

His side have both won and lost three times in the league this term - in addition to crashing out of the cup to Como - while showing signs they could be equipped to stay up. Having previously halted in-form Udinese with a 3-1 home win, Sassuolo signed off for the break by beating Hellas Verona, as Andrea Pinamonti's second-half strike split the sides.

Match Prediction:
Lecce's first league win on home turf will have to wait, as Sassuolo have started to hit their stride, winning three from the last four in Serie A. Vulnerable in defence, the hosts are sure to concede at least once against their visitors' talented attack, so Di Francesco will come away empty-handed from a clash with his former club.