Genoa vs Lecce Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Genoa will be looking to ensure they avoid drifting back into the lower reaches of the Serie A table as they take on likely strugglers Lecce on the opening day of the season.
Kick-off date/time:
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Genoa preview: Patrick Vieira’s Genoa
Genoa were struggling mid-way through last season but Patrick Vieira replaced Alberto Gilardino and returned them to the middle-of-the-table, but their 777 Partners ownership group will always give cause to be concerned off the pitch.
During this summer’s transfer window, Genoa have been reasonably quiet in terms of incomings. Romania international Nicolae Stanciu has arrived alongside the loan additions of Albert Gronbaek, Valentin Carboni, Lorenzo Colombo and Leo Ostigard.
Lecce preview: Likely strugglers Lecce
Lecce managed a great escape in the 2023/24 season and then steered themselves out of the bottom three and the relegation places on the final day of last season, and now relegation specialist Eusebio Di Francesco has been appointed in Apulia.
After leading Frosinone and Venezia to relegation on the final day of the last two seasons, Di Francesco has been trusted with a Lecce side that have made few signings this summer, with Corrie Ndaba from Kilmarnock perhaps the most eye-catching.
Genoa team news: Nothing fresh
There is nothing fresh for Genoa to deal with this weekend from last season, as defender Sebastian Otoa is sidelined due to a thigh injury still, alongside forward Caleb Ekuban.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leali; Norton-Cuffy, Marcandalli, Johan Vazquez, Caricol; Masini, Frendrup; Carboni, Stanciu, Gronbaek; Colombo
Unavailable: Otoa (Injured), Ekuban (Injured)
Questionable:
Lecce team news: A few absentees
As they head north to Liguria this weekend, Lecce have a few absentees as Santiago Pierotti is missing through suspension, with both Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski out injured.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Falcone; Kouassi, Gaspar, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Pierret, Helgason; Tete Morente, Krstovic, Banda
Unavailable: Jean (Injured), Marchwinski (Injured), Pierotti (Suspended)
Questionable:
Genoa vs Lecce prediction
These two sides enjoyed victories in their opening competitive week of the season as Genoa hammered Vicenza by three goals to nil in the first round of the Coppa Italia, whilst Lecce were a little more unconvincing in a 2-0 victory over Juve Stabia. Lecce do appear to be in a bit of a mess this season already, and Genoa, with now a very deep squad, will be expected to come out on top in this one.
Genoa vs Lecce tip: Genoa to win & under 3.5 goals
