Parma and Lecce Clash in Crucial Serie A Survival Battle

PARMA, Italy — Two Serie A strugglers, Parma and Lecce, will face off in a high-stakes Friday night clash at Stadio Ennio Tardini, with both teams desperate to escape the relegation zone. The match, scheduled for January 31, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. local time, comes after both sides suffered defeats to Milan-based giants last week.

Parma narrowly missed out on a historic victory against AC Milan, leading 2-1 until stoppage time before conceding two late goals to lose 3-2. Meanwhile, Lecce was overwhelmed by Inter Milan, falling 4-0 in a match that highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. The results left Parma and Lecce level on points, with both teams hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.

Parma’s recent form has been dismal, with only one win in their last eight league matches and 17 goals conceded during that span. Despite their struggles, they remain just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Head coach Fabio Pecchia faces a challenging task, with key players including Enrico Del Prato suspended and several others sidelined due to injuries.

Lecce, on the other hand, has been equally inconsistent, losing their last two matches while conceding eight goals. Their defensive woes are particularly pronounced on the road, where they have allowed 11 goals in their last four away fixtures. With only 15 goals scored in 22 matches, Lecce is the lowest-scoring team in Serie A, making their survival prospects appear bleak.

Historically, Parma has dominated this fixture, with Lecce winning just one of their last 23 top-flight encounters. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with both teams reduced to 10 men. Parma will look to capitalize on their home advantage and historical edge, while Lecce aims to secure a rare victory to climb out of the relegation zone.

Parma’s possible starting lineup includes Suzuki in goal, with Hainaut, Valenti, Vogliacco, and Valeri forming the defense. Hernani and Sohm are expected to anchor the midfield, while Almqvist, Cancellieri, and Mihaila support striker Bonny. Lecce’s lineup likely features Falcone in goal, with Guilbert, Baschirotto, Jean, and Gallo in defense. Coulibaly, Pierret, and Helgason will control the midfield, with Pierotti, Krstovic, and Morente leading the attack.

With both teams desperate for points, Friday’s match promises to be a tense and pivotal encounter in the Serie A relegation battle.