Inter Milan aims to maintain their lead at the top of Serie A despite missing key players in their away match against Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare. Kickoff is scheduled for 17:00 GMT (18:00 CET), with both teams fielding line-ups shaped by recent injuries and suspensions.
Inter face a challenging situation without attacker Lautaro Martinez, sidelined for about a month due to a calf strain sustained in the Champions League play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt. Additionally, midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella will not play due to suspension. This has led coach Cristian Chivu to rely on younger options such as Marcus Thuram and Francesco Pio Esposito in attack, with Esposito earning his place after scoring midweek in Norway.
Inter Milan Starting XI
- Sommer (Goalkeeper)
- Bisseck (Defender)
- De Vrij (Defender)
- Bastoni (Defender)
- Luis Henrique (Midfielder)
- Davide Frattesi (Midfielder)
- Piotr Zieliński (Midfielder)
- Petar Sucic (Midfielder)
- Dimarco (Midfielder)
- Marcus Thuram (Forward)
- Francesco Pio Esposito (Forward)
Forced changes extend to the midfield where Davide Frattesi and Petar Sucic replace suspended Calhanoglu and Barella. Federico Dimarco returns after being rested in the Champions League. The defensive line remains sturdy, but Denzel Dumfries remains sidelined with injury.
Lecce have shown marked improvement in recent weeks, climbing out of the relegation zone with consecutive victories against Udinese and Cagliari. Their squad still faces setbacks with Francesco Camarda recovering from a dislocated shoulder and Medon Berisha unavailable due to injury. However, Lameck Banda returns from suspension and takes a place on the bench.
Coach Lecce has elected to maintain the same starting eleven that secured recent wins, including January signings Omri Gandelman and Walid Cheddira, who have become integral parts of the squad’s attacking strategy.
Lecce Starting XI
- Falcone (Goalkeeper)
- Veiga (Defender)
- Gaspar (Defender)
- Tiago Gabriel (Defender)
- Gallo (Defender)
- Ramadani (Midfielder)
- Coulibaly (Midfielder)
- Pierotti (Midfielder)
- Omri Gandelman (Midfielder)
- Riccardo Sottil (Midfielder)
- Walid Cheddira (Forward)
Lecce’s recent form and stable line-up offer a stern test for Inter, whose squad depth and tactical adjustments will be crucial given the absence of key stars. Inter’s lead in Serie A has extended to seven points, but their midweek Champions League loss highlights the physical and mental challenges ahead.
Both teams will look to gain valuable points, with Inter aiming to consolidate their dominance, while Lecce strives to build on their momentum and secure safety in the top flight. This fixture promises a tactical battle influenced heavily by squad rotations and player availability.
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