Serie A | Gameweek 36

May 11, 2025 at 2pm UK

Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi

Hellas Verona vs Lecce

Match preview

Just when it looked as if Verona were about to make another successful attempt at staying in the top flight, they have lost their last three league games without scoring.

After a goalless draw at home to Genoa, the Scaligeri have lost to Roma, Cagliari and, most recently, Inter Milan - their last goal coming in early April.

In fact, Paolo Zanetti's men have now failed to score in 10 of their 17 home games, and another blank would set a new negative record for the club, surpassing the low mark set in 1988-89.

Beaten by Inter's ninth-minute opener from the penalty spot last week, Hellas have also been hampered by slow starts all season, which have left them with a mountain to climb after the break.

They have now conceded 28 first-half goals - 20 more than Lecce - which is the worst record in Europe's top five leagues. Yet a win this week would essentially ensure their survival.

Historically, Verona hold the upper hand over Lecce: they were unbeaten in nine league meetings before losing 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October, and are still unbeaten at the Bentegodi.

Lecce have never won away to Verona in Serie A, only drawing four times, but they will be determined to end that long wait this weekend.

It has also been some time since the Salentini have picked up maximum points anywhere on the Italian peninsula, failing to win any of their last 12 league games - a run that dates back to a 3-1 win at Parma in January.

In their last outing, Lecce were beaten 1-0 by leaders Napoli in a raucous Via del Mare, where fireworks and protests temporarily halted play.

With just two points from their last 10 games, Marco Giampaolo's men are just one point clear of the relegation zone, meaning their three-year stay among calcio's elite could soon come to an end.

Relying on prolific striker Nikola Krstovic to keep them out of trouble, the Giallorossi have the lowest number of goals scored in Serie A this season (seven), so more contributions may be needed if they are to stave off relegation.

Recent Performance

Hellas Verona Serie A form:DDDLLL

Lecce Serie A form:LDLLDL

Team News

Verona boss Paolo Zanetti has a selection headache up front, as he looks to put an end to his side's woes in front of goal.

Six-goal top scorer Casper Tengstedt has been plagued by fitness problems, while all four of Amin Sarr's league goals have come away from home and Daniel Mosquera has scored all five as a substitute.

There is better news at the back, where Daniele Ghilardi and Diego Coppola have both returned from suspension and Pawel Dawidowicz has recovered from injury. Only veteran full-back Davide Faraoni is a doubt.

Meanwhile, Lecce's attack should be led by Nikola Krstovic - responsible for 10 of his club's 23 league goals this season - although an adductor problem has cast doubt on his availability. Ante Rebic is on the sidelines.

Only long-term absentees Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski (both ACL) are certain to be sidelined ahead of the long trip north.

Ever-present captain Federico Baschirotto has made 109 Serie A appearances since making his debut in 2022, starting every one. In that time, the bustling centre-back has racked up more minutes in the Italian top flight (9775) than any other outfield player.

Possible starting lineup

Hellas Verona possible starting lineup:

Montipo; Ghilardi, Coppola, Valentini; Tchatchoua, Duda, Serdar, Bradaric; Suslov; Tengstedt, Sarr

Lecce possible starting lineup:

Falcone; Guilbert, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Pierret; Pierotti, Helgason, Morente; Krstovic