Verdict: Juventus win to nil
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting the New Year underway on Saturday evening, Juventus will welcome Lecce to Turin as they hope to extend on their title charge.
Juventus
Starting with the hosts, while Luciano Spalletti might have only arrived in Turin at the back end of October, Juventus are clearly relishing life under the former Napoli boss. Last seen signing off 2025 with a routine 2-0 victory away at Pisa, the Old Lady open the New Year sat just four points adrift of skyrocketing their way to the top of the Serie A standings. With their sights set on mounting a genuine title charge, Juventus have won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-1. Collecting a heavyweight scalp on December 20th as they claimed a 2-1 win at home against historic foes Roma, Spalletti’s side have also won seven of their last eight outings. Suffer just a single defeat since the end of October, Saturday’s hosts will be smelling a golden opportunity when they return to Turin this weekend.
Juventus Team News
Not featuring since the end of November and still dealing with reported abductor injury, Juventus are not expected to welcome back Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic. However, despite fitness concerns over the past week, USA international Weston McKennie is expected to feature here.
Finding the net against Pisa last time out and now registering seven direct goal contributions in his previous eight appearances across all competitions (four goals, three assists), Turkish starlet Kenan Yildiz could play a leading role in attack. Making his move from Newcastle a permanent one over the summer, Lloyd Kelly will start at the heart of Juve’s defence.
Lecce
As for the visitors, making an immediate return to losing ways last time out as they fell to a 3-0 drumming at home against Como, Lecce appear destined for yet another relegation scrap in 2026. Getting the New Year underway once again firmly looking over their shoulders, the Wolves will be more than aware that they face a stern examination here. Getting December underway with a routine 2-0 loss away at Serie A newcomers Cremonese, Eusebio Di Francesco’s men have also continued to show some real issues away from the Stadio Via del mare. Marking their return from November’s international break with another 2-0 defeat against Lazio, Lecce have lost five of their previous seven showdowns outside of Apulia and they are rightfully installed as a landslide underdog when they arrive in Turin.
Lecce Team News
Both away at this month’s AFCON, Lecce will be without the duo of Lameck Banda and former Rangers midfielder Lassana Coulibaly here. However, despite missing out against Como last time out, Albanian youngster Medon Berisha is expected to return to Di Francesco’s travelling squad.
Now entering his third campaign in Apulia, one-time Aberdeen star Ylber Ramadani will start in the middle of the park. Completing a season-long loan switch from AC Milan ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, 17-year-old sensation Francesco Camarda could be handed a full recall.
Juventus vs Lecce Key Factors to Consider
- When Juventus last welcomed Lecce to Turin back in April 2024, the Old Lady claimed a 2-1 victory.
- In fact, Juventus have won all of their previous four consecutive home fixtures against Lecce by an aggregate score of 9-2.
- Saturday’s hosts have won seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
- Lecce have lost five of their previous seven showdowns away form the Stadio Via del mare.
- Turkish international Kenan Yildiz has registered seven direct goal contributions in his previous eight appearances across all competitions (four goals, three assists).
Conclusion
Knowing that they could skyrocket their way to within touching distance of top spot, Juventus should be looking to make another potential statement here. Relishing life under Spalletti’s guidance, the Old Lady are will be confident of opening the New Year with a flurry in Turin. Continuing to shine on either side of November’s international break, Lecce couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge this weekend. Last seen falling to a nightmare 3-0 drumming at home against Como, we are expecting a similar outcome from Turin on Saturday evening.
Verdict: Juventus win to nil
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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