Lecce vs. Mantova - Match Preview, Predictions, and Team News
Preview the Coppa Italia first-round clash between Lecce and Mantova on August 12, 2024. Discover team news, predicted lineups, head-to-head stats, and expert predictions for this exciting matchup.

Match Details
- Competition: Coppa Italia First Round
- Date: August 12, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM (UK)
- Venue: Stadio Comunale Via del Mare, Lecce
Match Preview
Lecce is set to host Mantova in a compelling Coppa Italia first-round clash at Stadio Comunale Via del Mare. The home side, eager to avoid another upset after last year’s early exit to Serie B opposition, will be looking to make a strong start to the 2024-25 season.
Despite a shaky end to their pre-season preparations, Lecce, under the guidance of Luca Gotti, will aim to assert their superiority over their lower-league opponents. Mantova, however, comes into this game with confidence, having secured promotion to Serie B and a victory in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia.
Lecce: Seeking Stability and Success
Lecce ended the 2023-24 Serie A season in 14th place, narrowly avoiding relegation. The team’s fortunes improved after Roberto D'Aversa's dismissal, with Luca Gotti taking charge and leading the team to safety. However, Lecce's pre-season has been less than ideal, with losses against Galatasaray, Huddersfield Town, and Nice, highlighting areas that need improvement.
The Salentini will need to overcome their recent form to progress in the Coppa Italia. With new signings like Kialonda Gaspar, Filip Marchwinski, and Tete Morente, Lecce will be looking to integrate these players quickly and effectively into the squad.
Mantova: Aiming for an Upset
Mantova, under the management of Davide Possanzini, has been on an upward trajectory, earning promotion to Serie B last season. Possanzini, a protégé of Roberto De Zerbi, has instilled a dynamic, attacking style of play in Mantova, which could pose problems for Lecce.
After a solid 2-1 victory over Torres in the preliminary round, Mantova will be eager to carry that momentum into this first-round tie. The addition of experienced forwards Leonardo Mancuso and Mattia Aramu strengthens their attack, giving them a fighting chance against their Serie A opponents.
Head-to-Head Record
-
Lecce:
- Recent Form: LLLDW
- Last Meeting: N/A
-
Mantova:
- Recent Form: WLWLL
- Last Meeting: N/A
Competition | Date | Result |
---|---|---|
Serie B | 06/03/10 | Mantova 2-2 Lecce |
Serie B | 26/09/09 | Lecce 2-2 Mantova |
Team News
Lecce:
Lecce will be without Gabriel Strefezza and Marin Pongracic, who left the club in the summer. However, new signings Kialonda Gaspar, Filip Marchwinski, and Tete Morente are likely to make their competitive debuts. Nikola Krstovic is expected to lead the line, supported by Marchwinski and Morente.
Probable Starting XI:
Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret; Oudin, Marchwinski, Morente; Krstovic
Mantova:
Mantova has bolstered their squad with the arrivals of Leonardo Mancuso and Mattia Aramu. Both are expected to start, while Antonio Fiori, who scored in the preliminary round, could retain his place in the lineup.
Probable Starting XI:
Festa; Brignani, Panizzi, Maggioni, Redolfi; Trimboli, Burrai, Muroni; Fiori, Mancuso, Aramu
Prediction
Lecce's experience and home advantage should see them through this tie, but Mantova's attacking style will likely make this a competitive encounter. Expect goals on both ends, with Lecce edging it.
Prediction: Lecce 3-2 Mantova