Udinese vs Lecce
Serie A
Monday
23rd October 2023
Dacia Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A gameweek 9 fixture between Udinese and Lecce.
Udinese vs Lecce: Preview
Udinese form analysis
Udine started this recent run of Serie A matches showing solidity and defensive organization by holding Cagliari 0-0 away. However, a 0-2 home loss to Fiorentina followed, struggling to create chances. Things got worse for Udinese as they were soundly beaten 1-4 at home by high-flying Napoli, despite briefly equalizing through Samardzic. They stopped the rot with a determined 2-2 home draw against Genoa, coming from behind twice including a late own goal leveler. Most recently though, Udinese reverted to type with an uninspiring goalless draw away at Empoli.
Overall, Udinese’s form has tapered off after an excellent start to the season. While they remain tough to break down, their lack of attacking spark has been apparent recently. Aside from the Napoli thrashing, they have scored just twice in their last 4 games. If coach Andrea Sottil can rediscover their early season confidence going forward, Udinese have the defensive strength to trouble most teams. But rediscovering an attacking threat is crucial to get their form back on track after this lean spell.
Lecce form analysis
Lecce’s Serie season A has started decently, with signs they can compete but also some heavy defeats. They opened this spell by drawing 1-1 at Monza thanks to Krstović’s early penalty. A 1-0 home win over Genoa followed before a narrow 0-1 loss away at Juventus. However, defensive issues were exposed in a heavy 0-4 thrashing away at Napoli. To their credit, Lecce responded well by earning a 1-1 home draw with Sassuolo, with Krstović again on target.
Overall, Lecce have shownfighting spirit under Marco Baroni but been inconsistent. They’ve struggled against the elite teams like Juventus and Napoli, but shown they can trouble mid-table opponents. Pezzella and Oudin have added quality. However, tightening up defensively is crucial, having conceded 11 goals in their last 4 games. If Baroni can make them harder to beat, Lecce have enough about them in attack to pull clear of relegation danger.
