Total over 2.5
Inter unexpectedly lost to Bologna (0:1) in the last round, which exacerbated the intrigue in the Champions League zone. After 24 matches, the Nerazzurri are second, 18 points behind leaders Napoli.
Simone Inzaghi’s football is based on intense pressing (ppda = 11.7 – 5th place) and playing in transition phases. In terms of the number of possession hits (220) within 40 meters of the opponent’s goal, the team is second only to Napoli (229).
This allows you to generate a large number of sharp moments, in line with the expected threat created (xT = 1.79) Inter are unmatched in the league. At the same time, he feels great in defense, passing only 0.92 xg. However, in the next meeting, the team will feel a lack of manpower in defense due to the possible absence of Dimarko and Skrinjar.
Lecce are a very tenacious and uncompromising team, they allow an average of 1.17 xg per game, which corresponds to the average level. At the same time, “Paprikans” occupy only 15th place in the table with a 10-point advantage over the relegation zone. It is worth noting that the “yellow and blue” against the top teams often fail and cause them a lot of problems. For example, in the first round match, Inter managed to beat Lecce (2-1) only thanks to a goal in the 95th minute.
However, at this meeting, guests are unlikely to be able to keep their gates intact. The club’s main central defenders – Pongrachich and Bashirotto – will not help.
Due to the staffing problems of both teams in defence, I think we should expect a productive match. In addition, Inter are motivated to score as many points as possible before the Champions League second leg.