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Venezia FC will host U.S. Lecce at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday for their opening Serie A encounter of the new season.
The hosts head into the game determined to establish early momentum and will be boosted by their comeback victory in the Coppa Italia.
The visitors, on the other hand, will hope to recover from their Coppa Italia loss and start the new season on a good note.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Venezia vs. Lecce key stats
- Venezia and Lecce have scored against each other in 10 of their last 12 meetings across all competitions.
- Venezia have only lost once in their last 20 games across all competitions, with the defeat being a preseason friendly.
- Lecce have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five games across all competitions.
Venezia vs. Lecce preview: Hosts looking to start the season strong
Venezia vs. Lecce — Tale of the Tape
| Venezia | vs | Lecce |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Position | NA |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| NA | Home / Away Rank | NA |
Venezia return to Italy's top division after an outstanding Serie B campaign in which they set new club records for points, victories and goals.
They collected 82 points, won 24 matches and scored 77 times, earning their third promotion to Serie A in just six seasons.
Each of their previous three promotions was followed by immediate relegation, meaning Venezia must quickly adapt if they are to break that cycle.
Home advantage could also prove crucial, considering Venezia won 17 of their 19 home league matches in Serie B last season, losing only twice.
Heading into the new season, they had a good preseason outing, just losing once in their last five friendly games.
They also qualified for the next round of the Coppa Italia following a narrow 3-2 victory over Modena.
Lecce, meanwhile, survived by producing a strong finish to the previous campaign. They entered the final month of the season just one point above the relegation zone, suffering only one defeat to finish 17th and preserve their Serie A status.
The new campaign represents a fifth consecutive season in the Italian top flight for Lecce, while Eusebio Di Francesco will have an intriguing reunion on his hands.
The current Lecce boss previously managed Venezia during their most recent relegation campaign, meaning he will now return to face his former club.
Di Francesco's side have had mixed performances in the preseason, with three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five games. They recently crashed out of the Coppa Italia, losing 2-0 away from home to Palermo.
Venezia's good home record from last season makes this a potentially difficult assignment for Lecce.
Venezia vs. Lecce form guide & betting tips
| Venezia | vs | Lecce |
|---|---|---|
NA |
Form | NA |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| NA | Form Table | NA |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
WWLDW |
Form (All Comps) | LDWWL |
Whispers predicts: Venezia 1-1 Lecce
Based on their last four meetings, which have ended in a low-scoring affair, we expect a 1-1 draw for this clash.
With both teams eager to avoid an opening-day defeat, a tight affair with goals at both ends represents the most realistic outcome.
Bookmakers have tipped Venezia as slight favourites at odds of 5/4 (2.25) to claim a home victory.
A draw is priced at 21/10 (3.10), while an away win for Lecce is offered at 23/10 (3.30) odds as a competitive option for the visiting team.
Given that recent matches between these two clubs have yielded few goals, under 2.5 goals is priced at 33/50 (1.66).
Both teams to score (yes) is available at 19/20 (1.95) odds, while Akor Adams anytime goalscorer selection is offered at 11/8 (2.37).
> Full-time draw at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 33/50 (1.66) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score (yes) at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Possible
> Akor Adams anytime goalscorer at 11/8 (2.37) | Likelihood: Probable