The Serie A action amps up on February 9, 2025, at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare with Lecce hosting Bologna. This stadium, boasting a 33,876 capacity, is set for a compelling contest between two teams with differing goals. Lecce, at 14th place in Serie A, is desperate to dodge relegation. Meanwhile, Bologna, sitting 7th, is eyeing European football.
Heading into the match, both teams show contrasting form. Bologna strides into Lecce after some big wins, including victories over Atalanta in the Italian Cup and Borussia Dortmund. This underscores their good form. Lecce, on the other hand, flips between wins and losses—two wins, two losses, and a draw lately—showing their struggle for stability.
Injuries might sway the match. Lecce misses essential players like Lameck Banda and Kialonda Gaspar but hopes returning players will offer some tactical options. Bologna faces this match without star scorer Riccardo Orsolini due to a muscle injury. Historically, Bologna controls this fixture, snagging four wins in their past five matches against Lecce.
Lecce vs Bologna Prediction & Betting Tip
With Bologna’s strong recent performance and past wins against Lecce, they are slight favorites here. Their solid form and tactical smarts suggest a Bologna victory.
| Lecce vs Bologna Prediction | Betting tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna to win | 1.93 – 1.97 |
Backing this tip is Bologna’s offensive drive and their composure under pressure. Lecce’s defensive gaps might give Bologna the edge in this matchup.
Lecce vs Bologna Odds
Betting odds indicate Bologna’s expected superiority. Odds for their win range between 1.93 to 1.97, marking them as the favorites.
| Lecce vs Bologna Betting Odds | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna Win | 1.93 – 1.97 | |
| Draw | Moderate | |
| Lecce Win | Much higher |
These odds highlight a close contest, yet Bologna’s win looks more likely, given their capability to exploit Lecce’s defensive flaws.
Lecce Team Analysis
Lecce Recent Performance
Lecce’s recent results show a mixed bag: two wins, two losses, and one draw. A standout game was their 3-1 triumph over Parma, driven by strong attacking play.
| Lecce Recent Matches | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Inter | 1-2 Loss | |
| Parma | 3-1 Win | |
| Verona | 0-2 Loss | |
| Piccoli | 1-1 Draw | |
| Fiorentina | 2-1 Win |
Defensively, Lecce has struggled, conceding 10 goals in these games, signaling areas needing improvement. Yet, their offseason signings aim to boost squad morale and bring tactical tweaks.
Lecce Key Players
Lecce’s chances rest on players like Nikola Krstovic, whose scoring ability is crucial for breaking down Bologna’s defense. Santiago Pierotti aids him with deft playmaking, essential for Lecce’s attacking success.
Central to their strategy is Thórir Jóhann Helgason in midfield. His versatility connects the team’s defense and attack, proving indispensable in tactical execution.
Lecce Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries are troubling for Lecce, reducing their lineup flexibility. Missing players like Lameck Banda and Kialonda Gaspar (ankle and ligament injuries) affect depth and tactics.
| Lecce Injuries & Suspensions | Player | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Lameck Banda | Ankle injury | |
| Kialonda Gaspar | Ligament injury | |
| Medon Berisha | Thigh injury | |
| Hamza Rafia | Muscle injury | |
| Filip Marchwinski | Cruciate ligament injury |
Pat Dorgu’s departure further weakens their defense. Despite this, returning players offer hope for covering these gaps. Balancing youthful promise with experienced players will be key.
Lecce Tactics and Formation
Lecce will likely stick to a 4-3-3 setup with focus on strengthening their backline. This defensive solidity is vital against Bologna’s attacking pressure.
Lecce’s tactical plan relies on quick transitions and pressing to counteract Bologna’s midfield. Coach Marco Giampaolo’s strategy combines stability in possession with sharp counter-attacks.
Bologna Team Analysis
Bologna Recent Performance
Bologna arrives at this match with enviable form—winning three and drawing two in their last five games. Highlight victories against teams like Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund showcase their defensive and offensive strengths.
| Bologna Recent Matches | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lazio | 1-1 Draw | |
| Dortmund | 2-0 Win | |
| Napoli | 0-0 Draw | |
| Atalanta | 2-1 Win | |
| Udinese | 3-1 Win |
Bologna’s midfield strength mixes defense and offense well, posing a tough challenge for Lecce. Their play reflects big goals, including eyeing Europe.
Bologna Key Players
With Riccardo Orsolini out due to muscle injury, Santiago Castro steps up. He leads the attack with skill, vital to Bologna’s play style.
Remo Freuler steadies the midfield, managing tempo and transitions while disrupting opponents. In defense, Jhon Lucumí brings leadership and sets tactical stability.
Bologna Suspensions & Injuries
Bologna faces this match without key players like Riccardo Orsolini, affecting team depth.
| Bologna Injuries & Suspensions | Player | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Riccardo Orsolini | Muscle injury | |
| Lewis Ferguson | Hamstring injury | |
| Jens Odgaard | Thigh injury |
Coach Vincenzo Italiano handles these injury challenges, relying on depth to sustain their impressive run.
Bologna Tactics and Formation
Expect a 4-2-3-1 lineup from Coach Vincenzo Italiano, focusing on fluid tactics and strong pressing to counter Lecce’s strategies.
Bologna’s tactical key lies in midfield control to dictate play and open up attacks. Tactical shifts during the game will counter Lecce’s approaches.
Lecce vs Bologna Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Bologna has dominated, winning four of the past five clashes against Lecce. Their recent 1-0 win highlights this dominance.
| Lecce vs Bologna H2H Stats | Recent Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 1-0 Win | |
| Lecce | 0-2 Loss | |
| Bologna | 3-1 Win | |
| Lecce | 0-0 Draw | |
| Bologna | 2-1 Win |
Bologna’s record of capitalizing on Lecce’s flaws is evident, shaping tactical strategies this match hinges on.
Venue and Weather
This showdown happens at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare, providing an electric environment for local fans. The forecast is light rain and mild 13.49°C weather, ideal for a lively game.
Gentle winds at 3.14 m/s shouldn’t heavily impact play, letting teams execute plans effectively. Such conditions benefit agile squads, allowing quick plays amid slick pitches.
Bologna’s fast forwards could take advantage of these conditions, testing Lecce’s defense. Overall, the climate sets up a thrilling fixture, ensuring a strategic and physical contest.
