Juventus vs Lecce

Allianz Arena is the venue as Juventus seek redemption for a disappointing weekend against high-flying Serie A rivals Lecce.

Juventus’ near-perfect four-match Serie A start (W3, D1) ended abruptly at the weekend as they suffered an abysmal 4-2 defeat away to Sassuolo, with Federico Gatti scoring one of the most bizarre own goals you’ll see in Europe’s top-five leagues this season. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in both Serie A home games this season, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have gone unbeaten on both occasions, including a scintillating 3-1 romping of Lazio last time out. ‘I Bianconeri’ should be comfortable about adding to the tally here, especially after racking up an eye-catching nine wins in ten Serie A encounters against sides to finish 16th or worse in 2022/23, which includes a league double over Lecce. But since both those wins came via a single-goal margin, there’s no room for complacency.

On the other hand, Lecce might have barely survived in Serie A last season, but they mean business this term. Inspired by new manager Roberto D’Aversa, the visitors head into this round as one of only two sides alongside pacesetters Inter Milan to have gone unbeaten across the first five matchdays (W3, D2). Despite being considered one of the hottest relegation candidates going into 2023/24, ‘I Giallorossi’ have defied the odds with the club’s best-ever top-flight start. Moreover, they have only lost once across their last ten matches in all competitions (W5, D4), highlighting the potential for another upset. But it’s been 13 years since Lecce last avoided defeat at Juventus, drawing 1-1 in a midweek round in May 2012.