Lecce v Genoa Match Preview and Betting Tips

Sunday 4th March 2012, 2pm GMT


A lot of observers have felt that Lecce’s consistently low league position this season has been misleading considering the quality in their squad, and coach Serse Cosmi has proven this to be the case since he took charge. Sixteen points from a possible twenty-four in their last eight games indicates that Lecce carry the form going into tomorrow’s clash with Genoa.

Lecce's Juan Cuadrado, who scored for Columbia in their midweek win over Mexico

Recent results such as an away victory in Cagliari and a home win over Inter have opened a few eyes and lifted the Apulia side to within two points of an escape from the relegation zone. Players such as top scorer David Di Michele and on-loan midfielder Juan Cuadrado have been key for Lecce of late, and they are likely to pose problems for Genoa’s fragile defence tomorrow.

Genoa themselves are without a win in four games, but at least they managed to end a three-game goalless run last week when they drew 2-2 with Parma. It was Rodrigo Palacio who salvaged a point for the Grifoni with a late equaliser, and they will be relying on their top scorer to provide the goals again tomorrow considering the fact that Alberto Gilardino will not make his return from injury as had been expected. The return from suspension of Davide Biondini and Giuseppe Sculli will help their cause however.

Genoa’s form on the road is generally poor – they have lost all of their last six away games in all competitions - and it’s hard to see them coping with Lecce’s pace of attack for 90 minutes tomorrow. The home side are unbeaten in their last four games, and I expect them to continue this good run in a game which should see a few goals.

Prediction – Lecce to win – 5 points

Match odds:            Lecce            11/10

                             Draw            11/5

                             Genoa           12/5