With just three games remaining, Lecce fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as their team has secured mathematical safety in Serie A. Thanks to other results, Luca Gotti’s men are now unbeaten in four matches, with two wins and two draws. They enter the round seven points clear of opponents Udinese, who find themselves in a far more desperate situation, needing points to avoid relegation.
Lecce’s Strong Finish
Lecce, after securing a third consecutive season of top-flight football for the first time in nearly two decades, aims to end the season as strongly as possible. They have a chance to extend their four-match unbeaten run in Serie A head-to-head matches, with two wins and two draws. Their home record has been impressive, with just a single goal conceded since March at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Udinese’s Battle to Avoid Relegation
Udinese, on the other hand, faces the reality of relegation, which they haven’t experienced since the early 1990s. They currently find themselves in the drop zone, two points adrift. Their next two games after this will see them clash with fellow strugglers Empoli and Frosinone, making it crucial for them to stay in the fight. However, they are currently on a seven-match winless run, with three draws and four losses.
Despite their recent struggles, Udinese players may come into this match with renewed confidence after scoring a late equalizer against Napoli in their previous game. They have shown more comfort playing away from home throughout the season, earning 17 of their 30 Serie A points in away matches.
Players to Watch
Nikola Krstović has been instrumental in Lecce’s survival since returning from suspension. He has directly contributed to goals in three consecutive matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist, all of which came beyond the hour mark.
Isaac Success, who scored his first goal of the season with a stoppage-time equalizer for Udinese in their last game, could be in line for a first start since early December. His timely goal could provide a much-needed boost for the team.
Statistical Insight
An interesting statistic for Udinese is that of the 52 Serie A goals they have conceded this season, a staggering 33 of them have arrived in the final 15 minutes of either half. This highlights a potential vulnerability in their defense during the late stages of matches.