Lecce vs Atalanta prediction 19.08.2024 | Serie A

• Competition: Serie A
• Date: Monday, 19th August, 2024
• Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18:30 CEST
• Venue: Stadio Via del Mare (Lecce)

Lecce secured a return to Serie A in 2021/22 and were among the relegation candidates in the following two seasons, finishing 16th and 14th. They won 36 and 38 points - five and three points away from the danger zone. Last year, it looked like they could avoid that survival battle, but after a terrible season's finish, they complicated their situation. This year, we do not expect a significant change. Right before the start of the season, the bookies see as the sixth favorite for relegation, offering odds around 4.0 for that bet. So, avoiding relegation is Lecce's primary goal.

On the other hand, Atalanta have become one of the top Italian teams in recent seasons. Last year was truly historic as they won their first European trophy after beating Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Finals. That is only their second major trophy in the club's history. Besides winning the EL trophy, they finished fourth in Serie A and would secure a Champions League appearance even through the league finish. Over the Summer, it looks like they did a fine job, at least on paper, and we expect another good season for the popular La Dea.

Lecce vs Atalanta pick: Both teams to score

Lecce weren't particularly great offensively last year. However, after changing the coach during the Summer, we saw some positives in the pre-season. They scored at least a goal in four of five friendlies while scoring against good teams like Nice, Galatasaray, and Werder Bremen. Additionally, they also scored twice in the Cup against Mantova. They only failed to score in the last friendly when no one from the starting eleven played. So, we believe they can score at home against Atalanta, which have shown some defensive flaws over the Summer.

Atalanta are a much better team and have a super-talented offense. Yes, they did not show that in the pre-season, but we strongly believe in their scoring capabilities. Last year, they were the third-best offensive team in Serie A with 72 scored goals in 38 rounds, and they only improved their offense during the transfer window. On the other hand, as we mentioned, La Dea struggled defensively in the pre-season, allowing 11 goals in four friendlies - 2.75 per game.

Considering all the above, we believe that both teams to score should be the safest option for this Serie A tie.