Lecce vs Cagliari
Serie A
Saturday
6th January 2024
Via Del Mare
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Lecce and Cagliari.
Lecce vs Cagliari: Preview
Lecce form analysis
After a positive start on their Serie A return, Lecce’s league form has recently declined. A late R. Piccoli penalty earned Lecce a battling 1-1 home draw with Bologna on December 3rd. They backed this up with another 1-1 away draw at Empoli on December 11th – L. Banda’s opener cancelled out by an unfortunate Rafia own goal. However, Lecce have struggled since, firstly edged out 1-2 at home by relegation rivals Frosinone on December 16th despite Piccoli’s early goal. This was followed by a difficult 2-0 loss away at title challengers Inter Milan on December 23rd, outplayed by the hosts’ quality.
Lecce ended 2023 with a third straight defeat, losing 0-1 at home to Atalanta on December 30th from A. Lookman’s strike. Overall, Lecce’s early season promise has faded after this poor run. Lack of ruthlessness in attack and defensive errors have been clear issues the manager must address urgently in the second half of the campaign. Signs of the enterprise shown earlier this term needs to reemerge soon, starting with their next match away at Torino, if Lecce are to avoid being dragged firmly into a tense survival fight.
Cagliari form analysis
Despite recent managerial upheaval, Cagliari’s league form is showing signs of improvement despite inconsistent results. After a difficult 0-1 loss away at Lazio on December 2nd, Cagliari pulled off a stunning comeback 2-1 home win over Sassuolo on December 12th with injury time goals from G. Lapadula and L. Pavoletti. They followed this up by pushing league leaders Napoli close in a battling 1-2 home loss on December 16th, responding well to going behind before a late Kvaratskhelia winner.
However, Cagliari ended 2023 with two disappointing results – losses away at relegation rivals Verona (0-2) and at home to Empoli (0-0) in games where clear chances were scarce. Overall, new manager Claudio Ranieri seems to have added defensive steel. But unlocking Cagliari’s attacking talents remains a work in progress. If Ranieri can organize his side while allowing creators like Makoumbou freedom to supply striker Pavoletti, Cagliari has enough weapons to take the fight until the final weeks in their bid to avoid a second straight relegation from Serie A.
