Lecce-Monza is a match for Week 6 of Serie A
LECCE – MONZA
In Salento the first confrontation of the season between newcomers to the Serie A takes place, a challenge that unquestionably puts heavy points up for grabs with a view to salvation. Last season Lecce did much better, gaining promotion to the top flight without having to go through the dangerous playoffs. Many were convinced that after the ambitious purchase campaign of the Brianzoli the gap between the two teams had not only closed but also widened to Monza’s benefit, a prediction that so far the field has categorically denied.
Both teams have not yet absorbed the jump in category, but at least the Giallorossi have managed to move up the standings thanks to two consecutive draws against Empoli and Napoli. The positive streak was interrupted last Monday in the post-match match against Torino: Marco Baroni’s men, pierced by Vlasic at the end of the first half, were not able to react, thus cashing in their third defeat since the beginning of the championship. The offensive numbers for the moment do not reflect the almost always proactive and courageous attitude of the Salentini, who nevertheless have never scored more than one goal and have to reckon with the second worst attack in the tournament, the least prolific after Sampdoria and the Brianza team themselves.
In the Lombardy city, meanwhile, people are wondering about the reasons for what at the moment sounds like a big flop: Monza is, among the ‘small’ teams, the team that has spared no expense, putting 15 new players at Giovanni Stroppa’s disposal, but the results continue not to arrive and the ‘biancorossi’ do not get out of last place: zero points, two goals scored and 13 conceded. The club have confirmed their trust in the coach, but that trust could be broken if Di Gregorio and his team-mates disappoint at the ‘Via del Mare’.
Lecce-Monza: latest line-up info
Rovella
Baroni still has to do without Strefezza, who will not return until October. Pongracic, on the other hand, will recover in time: in the middle of defence we will see the former Wolfsburg man again, with Tuia rejoining the bench. In midfield, Hjulmand, one of the most positive notes, will dictate the tempo as usual, flanked by Bistrovic and Gonzalez. In front, in the trident, Di Francesco and Ceesay are sure of a place, while Banda is not at his best and could be replaced by Oudin.
In Monza, there is a ballot in the forward section between Caprari and Mota: this time the relay will be with the former Verona player and not with Petagna. In the midfield Sensi and Pessina will assist director Rovella, while the defensive trio will consist of Izzo, Marlon and Pablo Marì. On the flanks again Birindelli and Carlos Augusto. Finally, Di Gregorio will be preferred to Cragno in goal.
The prediction
Match as difficult to read as any self-respecting salvation clash. A reaction from Monza, whose attack could unblock and allow Stroppa to shake off some pressure, cannot be ruled out. A positive result for the Brianzoli therefore seems likely in a match in which both teams are likely to score.
Lecce v Monza likely line-up
- LECCE (4-3-3): Falcone; Gendrey, Pongracic, Baschirotto, Pezzella; Bistrovic, Hjulmand, Gonzalez; Di Francesco, Ceesay, Banda.
- MONZA (3-5-2): Di Gregorio; Marlon, Izzo, Pablo Marì; Birindelli, Pessina, Rovella, Sensi, Carlos Augusto; Caprari, Petagna.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
