Turin will be braced for a high-stakes Serie A encounter as Juventus host relegation-threatened Lecce on Saturday, with both teams desperate for points to salvage their respective campaigns. While Juventus aim to reignite their fading Champions League hopes, Lecce fight to escape the drop zone in a match defined by contrasting ambitions.
Form Guide: Juventus Seek Consistency Amid Lecce’s Struggle
Juventus arrive at the Allianz Stadium with mixed recent results. A hard-fought 1-1 draw against Roma last weekend highlighted their resilience but also their vulnerability in holding leads. Captain Manuel Locatelli’s stunning opener—his third long-range goal in four league games—was cancelled out after halftime, leaving the Bianconeri a point adrift of fourth-placed Bologna.
Under interim manager Igor Tudor, Juventus have shown flashes of improvement, winning five of their last six home league matches. However, their overall form remains inconsistent, with heavy defeats to Atalanta (0-4) and Fiorentina (3-0) marring their progress. The Old Lady’s 56 points after 31 games marks their worst tally at this stage since 2011, underscoring a season of underachievement.
Lecce, meanwhile, are winless in eight league matches—their worst run since 2023. A 1-1 draw against Venezia last time out halted a five-game losing streak, but Marco Giampaolo’s side remain just two points above the relegation zone. Their defensive frailties (50 goals conceded) and lack of attacking firepower (22 goals scored) make Saturday’s trip to Turin a daunting task.
Head-to-Head: Juventus Dominate Historical Record
Juventus have historically dominated this fixture, losing only once in 37 Serie A meetings. Lecce’s sole bright spot came in December’s 1-1 draw, where Ante Rebić’s late equalizer snatched a point. However, the Giallorossi have never won in Turin, with Juventus claiming 13 victories in 18 home clashes.
Key Stat: Juventus have kept more home clean sheets in 2025 than any other Serie A side, while Lecce have failed to score in 48% of their away games this season.
Team News
Juventus will be without Federico Gatti, Mattia Perin, and Samuel Mbangula due to injuries. Manuel Locatelli, now club captain, has been pivotal in midfield, ranking third in Europe for line-breaking passes. Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani have combined for just one goal since February, prompting Tudor to consider deploying both in a 3-4-2-1 formation to reignite their form.
Lecce have a virtually full squad, with Filip Marchwinski as their only absentee. Federico Baschirotto, ever-present this season, anchors a backline that has conceded eight goals in their last three away matches. Nikola Krstovic (10 league goals) carries the scoring burden, but support from midfielders like Rémi Oudin and Pontus Almqvist has been sporadic.
Expected XI’s
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Veiga, Kelly; Cambiaso, Locatelli, Thuram, McKennie; Gonzalez, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Helgason, Morente; Krstovic
Match Prediction
Juventus’ home advantage and defensive solidity should prove decisive against a Lecce side lacking confidence and cutting edge. Tudor’s more direct style has unlocked potential in players like Locatelli and Kenan Yıldız, while Lecce’s leaky defense is unlikely to withstand sustained pressure. Expect a routine victory to keep Juventus’ Champions League dreams alive.
Prediction: Juventus 3-0 Lecce
