In a match loaded with high stakes and tension, Hellas Verona will take on Lecce at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 11, 2025, in Serie A. With both clubs trapped in the relegation battle, this clash is critical. Hellas Verona sit 15th on the table with 32 points, perched just three spots above the dreaded drop. Lecce follow close behind at 17th place with 27 points, scratching and clawing to get out of the danger zone.
Both teams have hit rough patches lately, unable to win in their last five league matches (0W-2D-3L each). Verona’s struggles in front of goal are apparent, scoring only once and leaking five goals across the five matches. Meanwhile, Lecce have found the net thrice but allowed eight goals against them. Key players like Casper Tengstedt, who has notched six goals for Verona, and Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic, with ten goals, will be central figures in this showdown. Although Verona have a slightly better head-to-head record with three wins from their last five meetings, Lecce took the spoils in their previous encounter this season.
With both defenses feeling the heat and a rain-swept pitch expected, this game could turn into a cagey, low-scoring affair. Neither side can afford to slip up, as staying in Serie A is the top priority.
Hellas Verona vs Lecce Prediction & Betting Tip
Considering the shaky form of both teams and their desperation for points, a draw seems likely. Both sides have floundered in attack and shown cracks at the back. Even though Verona have shown some grit at home by winning three out of the last five head-to-heads, Lecce’s prior win this season suggests a potential threat, especially on the break.
The forecast for light rain could quicken the pitch, favoring swift counterattacks over expansive plays. Given both teams share identical recent form (0W-2D-3L) and battle relegation pressure, predicting a draw makes sense.
| Recommended Bet | Odds Range |
|---|---|
| Draw | 3.05 – 3.15 |
Hellas Verona vs Lecce Odds
Current odds show how tight this contest is expected to be, with draw odds hovering around 3.10, indicating a well-balanced matchup. Though specific odds for a Verona or Lecce win aren’t provided, based on their recent performances, the odds would likely be close as well. The slightly high odds for a draw suggest the market sees a cautious approach from both teams.
Given recent defensive steadiness and low goal averages, betting on under 2.5 goals could be tempting. Both teams have been scoring below an average of a goal per game recently, reinforcing this notion.
| Outcome | Odds Range |
|---|---|
| Hellas Verona win | N/A |
| Draw | 3.05 – 3.15 |
| Lecce win | N/A |
Home Team Analysis: Hellas Verona
Recent Performance
Verona have been dealing with issues putting the ball in the goal while also struggling at the back. The Gialloblu have suffered two home defeats on the bounce, with three straight losses overall. A goalless draw with Genoa provided their solitary clean sheet lately, whilst their lone goal came in a 1-1 draw against Torino, stressing their attacking woes.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-03 | Inter Milan | A | 1-0 L |
| 2025-04-28 | Cagliari | H | 0-2 L |
| 2025-04-19 | Roma | A | 1-0 L |
| 2025-04-13 | Genoa | H | 0-0 D |
| 2025-04-06 | Torino | A | 1-1 D |
Key Players
Certain players’ performances could be crucial for Verona. Casper Tengstedt, their leading scorer with six goals, remains a central threat. His partnership with Amin Sarr might add strength up front. Meanwhile, seasoned goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò’s command is vital for a defense suffering from injuries.
With midfield anchor Abdou Harroui out, Verona’s setup will need to adapt and emphasize discipline. Missing key defenders like Pawel Dawidowicz and Marco Davide Faraoni means they need to rely on veteran players. Sending quick balls down the wings could unlock Lecce’s defensive lapses.
Suspensions & Injuries
Verona enter this clash with significant absences, prompting tactical shifts. The defense and midfield are especially affected, with three starters unavailable, potentially leading to an unfamiliar defensive lineup.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Abdou Harroui | Injured |
| Pawel Dawidowicz | Injured |
| Marco Davide Faraoni | Injured |
- Harroui’s absence means less creativity in the midfield.
- Dawidowicz’s injury exposes central defensive stability.
- Faraoni missing weakens continuity at right-back, challenging defensive solidity.
- The squad’s depth is tested, leading to extra workload for substitutes.
- While no suspensions add to these injuries, Verona face tactical limitations.
Home Team Tactics and Formation
To edge past Lecce, Verona will look to optimize their attack while keeping a stable defense. Expect a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
- With Montipò in goal, Verona’s defense could sit deep to withstand pressure.
- A double pivot in midfield should shield an injury-hit backline.
- Wingbacks may aid fast transitions, sending quick crosses to Tengstedt and Sarr.
- The light rain forecast could see more ground-based passes and fewer risky aerials.
- Direct play can capitalize on Lecce’s defensive gaps through quick transitions.
Away Team Analysis: Lecce
Recent Performance
Lecce’s recent form mirrors Verona, having gone without a win in their last few matches. Their recent games reveal defensive vulnerabilities. Yet, they’ve managed draws against clubs like Atalanta, showing resilience but lack the consistency to secure wins.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-03 | SSC Napoli | H | 0-1 L |
| 2025-04-27 | Atalanta | A | 1-1 D |
| 2025-04-19 | Como | H | 0-3 L |
| 2025-04-12 | Juventus | A | 1-2 L |
| 2025-04-06 | Venezia | H | 1-1 D |
Key Players
For Lecce, Nikola Krstovic shines upfront, having scored ten times this season, making his link to goals crucial. In the goal, Wladimiro Falcone will need to step up as Lecce aim for a clean sheet against Verona’s struggling attack.
Injuries to Gaby Jean and Jeppe Corfitzen have strained Lecce’s creative midfield. Thus, pressure mounts on Krstovic to score, stressing the need for quality service from his teammates. Coach Giampaolo might deploy a conservative setup defensively, leaving room for counterattacks.
Suspensions & Injuries
Lecce face challenges with injuries affecting midfield and attack depth. This situation impacts tactical flexibility and places more strain on fit players for both creative and defensive roles. With no reported suspensions beyond the injuries, key players face increased burdens.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Filip Marchwinski | Injured |
| Gaby Jean | Injured |
| Jeppe Corfitzen | Injured |
- Midfield depth is thin without Marchwinski and Jean.
- Corfitzen’s absence reduces options in attack roles, affecting transition smoothness.
- Fatigue could be an issue due to limited squad options, forcing main players longer minutes.
- Defensive soundness could weaken due to stretched resources.
Away Team Tactics and Formation
Given the squad dynamics, Lecce will likely adopt a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3 setup to threaten their offense while keeping sturdy defense.
- Falcone anchors in goal, with a back-four likely sitting deep to counter Verona’s strikes.
- A midfield trio will aim to guard the defense while linking up with Krstovic in attack.
- Krstovic, as the attack’s focal point, plans to expose defenses with smart moves and sharp finishing.
- On the road, tactics may lean towards frustrating Verona’s moves and exploiting on counters.
- Wide players will aim to stretch Verona’s defense and deliver balls for Krstovic.
Hellas Verona vs Lecce Head-to-Head Statistics
In recent head-to-head history, Verona holds a slight advantage, yet their contests are always closely fought. Though Lecce claimed victory in their last meeting, their matches usually come down to small margins, with both teams tending to prioritize defensive strategies.
| Date | Fixture | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-29 | Lecce vs Hellas Verona | 1-0 Lecce W |
| 2024-03-10 | Lecce vs Hellas Verona | 0-1 Verona W |
| 2023-11-27 | Hellas Verona vs Lecce | 2-2 Draw |
| 2023-05-07 | Lecce vs Hellas Verona | 0-1 Verona W |
| 2023-01-21 | Hellas Verona vs Lecce | 2-0 Verona W |
- Verona has won three out of their four home games against Lecce.
- The recent reverse fixture saw Lecce edge a 1-0 win at home.
- Average goals per meeting typically stay under two, underscoring tactical defensive battles.
- Close wins and draws mark their history, pointing to tight encounters.
Venue and Weather
The Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, famous for its rich history and passionate crowd, hosts this pivotal clash. Holding 39,211 seats, it offers a thrilling atmosphere that can influence games. Known for supporting smooth play, the venue encourages exciting football battles.
On match day, the weather is likely to present around 21°C temperatures, with light rain expected across Verona. The wet surface could speed up play, enhancing ball movement and benefiting teams that excel in quick, precise passing. Defenders must stay sharp, as slips could occur on the wet grass, while attackers seek opportunities to outpace their markers.
A gentle breeze of about 10 km/h shouldn’t impact the game, letting aerial battles and long balls happen with ease. Overall, the weather seems to favor technical precision and pace, rewarding teams that adjust their styles to these conditions effectively.
