Lecce coach Roberto D’Aversa insists ‘nothing is impossible in football’ as they host an Inter side who won every single competitive match in 2024.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT at the Stadio Via del Mare.
The Nerazzurri are fresh from defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League Round of 16 and are nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table with a game in hand.
“Inter are coming off nine consecutive victories, their statistics in 2024 are impressive, so it might seem impossible for us to get a result, but I believe nothing is impossible in football,” said D’Aversa in his press conference.
“There are a few positive aspects, for example that we are on home turf. We need to cause problems for a team who played in the Champions League midweek. I don’t believe the idea we have nothing to lose, as there is always something to lose. We just have to give our best and see how it goes.”
Lecce are forced into a few changes, as Patrick Dorgu and Marin Pongracic are suspended, with Federico Brancolini, Jeppe Corfitzen and Kastriot Dermaku injured.
Meanwhile, Inter are missing Yann Sommer with flu symptoms, injured Marcus Thuram, Francesco Acerbi and Juan Cuadrado.
“Federico Baschirotto is fit and should start tomorrow, I have two possibilities to choose from on who will be next to him. Pierotti is improving and needs time to settle, while Lameck Banda has recovered and we’ll see if he can start tomorrow.”