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The Serie A will be back in the spotlight next week, but it’s already time to take a look at the next round. Venezia-Lecce is crucial in the relegation battle.

At the Penzo Stadium, a very delicate clash is taking place, with two teams facing each other who are clearly struggling in this early part of the season. One of the two teams has already changed their coaching staff.

Venice, the Penzo is becoming a fortress

The team coached by Di Francesco seems to have partially adapted to the rhythms of Serie A, and especially at home, they are building something important. Despite being at the bottom of the table and having several technical and tactical limitations, the Venetians have managed to secure two important victories against Genoa and Parma.

The man of the moment is definitely Pojhanpalo, with 4 goals and the top scorer of the team. Most of the offensive actions revolve around him, but it’s still not enough. The 8 defeats (the worst record in Serie A along with Hellas Verona) speak volumes, and continuity is necessary.

Joel Pohjanpalo (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Against the team of Pecchia, there was a reaction to the equalizing goal by Bonny, and the 3 points were well-deserved. The danger is that it may have been an isolated incident rather than a sign of growth from the team. The coach continues to assert that the group is getting closer and more cohesive, and by the end of the year, results must support his claims, otherwise his position could be in question.

The transfer market has partially satisfied the fans, who can enjoy promising talents like Oristanio and Nicolussi Caviglia, but they were probably expecting some signings from a higher category. However, a sense of calm prevails within the environment so far, everyone is aware of the difficulties and is rallying around the team.

Lecce, Giampaolo for a rebirth: a strong start

On the other hand, the team from Apulia has opted for an immediate change due to the few results achieved under Luca Gotti. The coach’s dismissal is mainly aimed at shaking up the environment and the team. So far, the journey of the Giallorossi includes 2 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. A heavy burden that has raised concerns among the ownership.

Rome, Italy 14.01.2024: Baschirotto of Lecce in action during the Italian Serie A TIM 2023-2024 football match SS Lazio vs US Lecce at Olympic Stadium in Rome.

The decision to hire Marco Giampaolo has caused quite a stir, with some considering it an ill-advised choice and others believing in the abilities of the coach from Bellinzona. The change will be seen mainly from a tactical standpoint, as the favorite formation of the former Milan and Sampdoria coach is the 4-3-1-2.

It will be his task to find the most suitable playmaker to support the two forwards and breathe new life into a team that has been lackluster. The victory against Hellas Verona on October 29 had given hope to the fans, but there hadn’t been significant progress in terms of gameplay. Now, the fans are demanding a big effort to get back on track and take control of a season that started very poorly.

Venice-Lecce, expected a large turnout

For the match scheduled for Monday, November 25 at 8:45 PM, a big crowd is expected, including for the visiting team. In fact, a sold-out crowd is expected even for the section dedicated to the Apulian fans, ready to push the team to victory.

Venice-Lecce along with Genoa-Cagliari are the two relegation battles scheduled for the next round.