Our prediction for this Serie A match:
Lecce play host to Sassuolo at their Stadio Via del Mare on day 8 of the new Serie A campaign. Following their flying start to the season, Lecce suffered a dip in form, with the team losing to both Juventus (0-1) and Napoli (0-4) in the previous two league matches and, no doubt, they are eager to grab something from Friday’s encounter. Midfielder Mohamed Kaba is back from suspension, while both Lameck Banda and Kastriot Dermaku are out of contention through injuries.
The Neroverdi, on the other hand, aim to recover from a 1-0 loss to Monza where they missed several clear-cut opportunities to score, especially in the first half and they are surely capable of matching Lecce. The Gillorossi, though, are tough to beat at home and that is the main reason why we are going to bet on draw. Midfielder Agustin Alvarez should be the only absentee in the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Domenico Berardi):
Once one of the most promising young players in Serie A, Domenico Berardi is the Italian footballer that plays for Sassuolo and the Italy national team. Born in Cairati, Calabria, the forward begun his professional career back in 2012, when he helped the Neroverdi win Serie B and play in Serie A next season and was named as the best player of the competition, only 18 years of age.
He made his first appearance for the Italy U19 national team in the same season. His excellent performances draw the attention of Juventus and the Old Lady confirmed in the beginning of the Season 2013/14 that Domenico Berardi joined the club on a co-ownership deal.
The player never played for Juventus because he remained in Sassuolo and he recently signed a new contract with the Neroverdi. The 24-year-old right winger, who can also play as a left winger and a second striker, made his first appearance in the senior national team in June 2018.
Highlighted Team (Lecce):
When you imagine a yellow-red shirt, Lecce must be the first club that comes to your mind. Founded back in 1908, Lecce are Italian club that will compete in the Serie A in the 2019/2020 season. The Giallorossi return to the Italian top flight following a seven-year absence and, as always, they will host their rivals at Stadio Via del Mare.
The venue which was opened on September 11, 1966 can hold up to 33,876 people. The likes of Antonio Conte, Graziano Pelle, Javier Chevanton, Juan Cuadrado, Mirko Vucinic, Fabrizio Miccoli and Massimo Oddo are one of the most notable footballers who played for the Italian club in the past.
Lecce and Gallipoli face each other in the Salento derby and there have been fireworks in meetings between the two clubs since the 2009/2010 Serie B season when they first met in the league.