Preview
The 2025/26 Serie A season kicks off with a compelling match, as Lecce will travel to the iconic Luigi Ferraris, where they will take on Genoa on August 23rd, 2025. This fixture promises a lot. Thus, there are likely to be differing strategies and selection policies at work, as both sides have a chance to put their early-season marker down. Genoa are under new management with Patrick Vieira, and Lecce are managed by Eusebio Di Francesco (with plenty of experience). Given how important each fixture is within the campaign and the differing trajectories and aspirations of each side, we expect an engaging encounter.
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Match Details Overview
- Fixture: Genoa vs. Lecce
- Competition: Serie A 2025/26 – Week 1
- Date: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
- Kick-Off: 04:30 PM (UTC)
- Ground: Luigi Ferraris, Genoa
- Win Probability: Genoa 56% | Draw 27% | Lecce 17%
This match isn't just going to set the tone for the season for both teams; it's also a chance for fans to see two managers navigate their transitional summers.
Important Statistics
Genoa have not won six of their last seven Serie A matches.
The Grifone scored the lowest number of first-half goals in the league last season (12).
Lecce have recorded only two wins in their last 15 Serie A matches.
The Salentini have not won on the road at Luigi Ferraris in 10 consecutive attempts since their last win in 1998.
Genoa have not lost in 16 of their last 18 Serie A head-to-head encounters with Lecce (W10, D6, L2).
Prediction of correct score: Genoa 3 - 1 Lecce
Betting Options
HOME (Genoa): Implied probability: 50%
DRAW: Implied probability: 28.5%
AWAY (Lecce): Implied probability: 25.6%
Bookmakers are more favorable towards Genoa, particularly with their head-to-head historical track record against Lecce and good play under the leadership of Vieira. In terms of betting, this provides enticing options in various markets:
Correct Score: Genoa 3 - 1
BTTS: YES
Over 2.5 Goals: There is a strong chance given the current poor defensive record for both teams.
Genoa: Match Preview
Vieira's Tactics
Patrick Vieira has created a new style of play since taking over from Alberto Gilardino last season. With his 4-2-3-1 formation, his team builds from the back, plays wide when attacking, and presses all over the pitch.
Preparing for the Season
Preseason results included strong form and no losses, including victories over Villarreal and Mantova.
Coppa Italia – Genoa defeated Vicenza 3-0 with an attacking display and solid defense.
Team News
Out: Caleb Ekuban, Sebastian Otoa
New players include Nicolae Stanciu (the captain for Romania), Valentin Carboni (Inter player), and Leo Ostigard (on loan again).
Departures: Andrea Pinamonti (to Sassuolo), Koni De Winter (to AC Milan)
Predicted Starting XI
Leali (GK); Norton-Cuffy, Ostigard, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Masini; Carboni, Stanciu, Gronbaek; Colombo.
Lecce: Match Preview
Di Francesco's Return
Eusebio Di Francesco came back for his second stint looking to steady a Lecce side that just avoided relegation last season. However. His recent history does cause concern, with back-to-back relegations at Frosinone and Venezia.
Summer Moves
Departures: Nikola Krstovic (to Atalanta), Federico Baschirotto (to Cremonese).
Arrival: Francesco Camarda (Milan prospect), Riccardo Sottil (Fiorentina loan).
Coppa Italia win: 2-0 vs. Juve Stabia. This was positive early encouragement.
Team News
Out: Gaby Jean, Filip Marchwinski, Santiago Pierotti.
Predicted Lineup
Falcone (GK); Kouassi, Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Pierret, Helgason; Morente, Camarda, Sottil.
Head-to-Head History
Total Played in Serie A = 18
Genoa Wins = 10.
Draws = 6
Lecce Wins = 2 (both home—1990 & 2023).
Recent Record = Genoa are unbeaten in their last 9 home games against Lecce.
Most Recent H2Hs at Luigi Ferraris:
Genoa 2-1 Lecce (3 x consecutive meetings).
Tactical Breakdown
Genoa Strengths:
Good record at home—They have been really dominant while playing at Luigi Ferraris.
New players settling in well—Carboni and Stanciu have already scored.
Compact midfield—Gronbaek and Frendrup work well together.
Lecce Weaknesses:
Poor record on the road—They have not had a win over Genoa in Genoa since 1998.
They've lost some important players—Krstovic and Baschirotto have left and taken away much of the spine of the team.
They do not have a stable managerial situation—Di Francesco has been inconsistent in previous stints as manager.
Player to Watch: Lorenzo Colombo
Keep an eye on Lorenzo Colombo, the former Lecce striker who's now on loan at Genoa from AC Milan. He's definitely a player to watch! Colombo is known for scoring first in 8 of his 14 Serie A goals, and this would be a memorable match to score against his former club. He should play well in Vieira's attacking style of play.
Prediction
Correct Score: Genoa 3-1 Lecce
Goal scorers: Colombo, Carboni, and Stanciu (Genoa); Camarda (Lecce).
Betting Value: Genoa win + Over 2.5 total goals.
Although Lecce are put in a tough spot and will fight hard, the odds, form, and history are all overwhelmingly in favor of Genoa. Vieira's team will want to kick off their season with a comprehensive win on home soil.
Conclusion About the Match
Genoa enter their opening match of the Serie A 2025/26 season against Lecce as clear favorites. With strategic stability, new signings having settled, and a good home record, the Rossoblu should be able to find a way to win on the opening day. Lecce, on the other hand, must overcome their historic challenges while dealing with absences in order to break the trend of a poor start.
