Lecce vs Bari Match preview

Italian Serie B: Lecce vs Bari

This is the great derby of Reggio Puglia and certainly the most interesting Serie B match on Saturday. Lecce need points more but Bari will do anything to remain unbeaten and compromise their rival’s Serie A promotion chances. Salentini took points in Bergamo, making a step towards elite, and if they win the last three matches they will get back to Serie A after three years. This will be a difficult task but if they win Bari, after that they will have easier tasks against uninterested Messina and Vicenza. Bari lost to Treviso in a peculiar match where the decisive moment was when Argentinean Donde was sent-off and this will be a great handicap for the visitors at Via Del Mare. After an excellent second part of the season Bari slowed down a bit taking only two points in the last four matches. Perhaps it is more difficult to Conte to motivate the squad now when they are sure to end the season in the midtable. But this match is something completely different. It is one of the greatest rivalries in southern Italy.

Lecce have gone last two home games without winning

If they have celebrated in at least one of the duels against Pisa and Mantova, Salentini would be a step away from the elite. This way, everything is still uncertain, though excellent coach Papadopulo is encouraged by the form in the last match. It all worked great again, the squad got back their tactical discipline and seemed much fresher than their rivals. Final 4:0 score was perhaps too high but Lecce deserved to win at Comunale in Bergamo, thus turning into the first Serie A contenders behind Chievo. This might be the crucial match, Via Del Mare will be cramped. We can say that this is the game of the season for Salentini.

Seeking for revenge

Bari were demolished at the hands of Lecce in December (4:0) and after that coach Materazzi was forced to resign. Conte revived the squad that played much better in the second part of the season. They secured their place in the league soon after that and it will be interesting to see Bari’s ambitions in the next season. The best scorer, Lanzafame is back in Juventus, who intend to send him on-loan but to some higher-rank club. Conte announced trying to get to Serie A but a lot depends on announced selling on the club. If the investors arrive, it will all be easier.

Betting Verdict

The pressure is upon Lecce. If it weren't for the great rivalry we would advise you to bet on a home win. In this case, odds of 1.50 are not worth the risk, though Lecce are a better side. Bari will wait for their chance, there will be more space as the game goes by so it is crucial not to conceded on the start, we are definitely in for a great fight but without many goals. Under 2.5 goals should be a safe bet.

Team news : Ardito is only injured player for Lecce. Problems for Bari as Jadid and Di Dio are injured. Donda and Galasso are suspended. Cavalli and Ganci are doubtful.

Our tip: Bet 5 on Under 2.5 goals
Odds 1.8 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers