- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 2 Nov, 2025
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, ACF Fiorentina hosts US Lecce at Stadio Artemio Franchi in a match that could define the trajectory of both clubs’ seasons. With kick-off times conflicting between 09:00 and 14:00 UTC, fans are left guessing — but the stakes couldn’t be clearer. Both teams sit near the bottom of Serie A, each with just seven goals in nine matches, making this a rare, high-pressure clash between two of Italy’s least prolific attacks. This isn’t just about three points. It’s about survival.
A battle of the bottom dwellers
Here’s the twist: Lecce currently sits one point and three places above Fiorentina in the table — despite losing both games to them last season by a combined 7-0. That’s not a fluke. It’s a reflection of how far Fiorentina has fallen. Once a European powerhouse, they’re now fighting to avoid the drop, and their 3-0 thrashing at San Siro against Inter Milan last week laid bare their problems: 36% possession, two shots on target, and zero spark. The team looks lost.
Meanwhile, Lecce have been equally unconvincing. Two straight losses to Udinese and Napoli have dented morale, though their 1-0 defeat to Napoli was more respectable than the scoreline suggests. Teenage striker Francesco Camarda had a penalty saved in that match, and Frank Anguissa’s late winner felt more like luck than dominance. Their form reads: L-D-W-D-L-L. Not pretty. But they’ve shown fight. And that’s more than Fiorentina can say lately.
Injuries and absences cripple both sides
The injury lists are damning. For Fiorentina, defender Mattia Viti is suspended, while forwards Christian Kouame and Tyriq Lamptey are sidelined — two key pieces missing from a squad already starved of creativity. Their talisman, Moise Kean, the former Juventus striker, hasn’t scored in his last six appearances. You can’t win Serie A games with hope and heart alone — and Kean’s silence is echoing through the stands.
Lecce aren’t faring much better. Their pacey winger Lameck Banda is doubtful, and midfielders Jean, Marchwinski, and Sottil are all out. Manager Eusebio Di Francesco has been forced into reshuffles for weeks. His team lacks structure, and without Banda’s direct runs, their only threat becomes predictable. They’ve managed just 2.1 shots on target per game on average — worse than any top-half side.
History doesn’t favor Lecce — but form says otherwise
Head-to-head, Fiorentina have the edge: 5 wins, 5 losses, 4 draws in 14 meetings. But the last time they met at Stadio Artemio Franchi, they won 1-0. That’s the only recent result that matters. Footballpredictions.com predicts a repeat: 2-0. Sports Mole agrees — barely — with a 1-0 forecast. They call it "an unexpected battle at the bottom," and they’re right. This isn’t a clash of titans. It’s two teams barely treading water.
But here’s the odd part: Scores24.live is betting against the grain. They’re calling for a 1-1 draw, with Lecce covering the +1.5 handicap. Why? Because both teams have gone under 2.5 goals in seven of their last eight matches. Fiorentina haven’t hit five corners in any of their last five games against Lecce. The atmosphere is tense, the chances are scarce, and the pressure is suffocating.
What’s at stake — and what happens next
If Fiorentina lose, they’ll be six points from safety with just 11 matches left. That’s a death sentence in Serie A. If Lecce win, they leapfrog into the top half of the relegation zone — and suddenly, their season feels salvageable. Even a draw gives them breathing room.
Bookmakers are leaning hard toward Fiorentina as -156 favorites, but the numbers tell a different story. These aren’t two teams playing for glory. They’re playing for dignity. For a chance to see next season. And in those moments, logic often loses to desperation.
Why this match matters beyond the table
Fiorentina’s decline isn’t just about goals. It’s about identity. They’ve spent millions on attacking talent over the past three years — Kean, Gonzalo Villar, Nicolò Rovella — and yet, they’re now outscored by teams like Spezia and Monza. Their academy once produced stars. Now, they’re relying on veterans who’ve lost their edge.
For Lecce, this is the final test of Eusebio Di Francesco’s rebuild. He took them to safety last season with grit and counterattacks. This year, they’ve lost that edge. No wonder fans are restless. The stadium in Lecce has been quiet. But in Florence? The noise will be deafening — not because they’re champions, but because they’re afraid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are both teams scoring so few goals this season?
Both ACF Fiorentina and US Lecce have netted just seven goals in nine Serie A matches, placing them among the bottom five attacks in the league. Fiorentina’s reliance on Moise Kean — who’s on a six-game goal drought — and Lecce’s lack of a consistent playmaker after losing key midfielders to injury have crippled their offensive output. Neither team averages more than 1.2 shots on target per game.
How have injuries impacted each team’s chances?
Fiorentina are without suspended defender Mattia Viti and injured forwards Christian Kouame and Tyriq Lamptey, weakening both defense and attack. Lecce are missing key midfielders Jean, Marchwinski, and Sottil, plus doubtful winger Lameck Banda — their most dynamic outlet. Without these players, both teams lack balance, making it harder to break down stubborn defenses or create clear chances.
Is a Lecce win possible despite their poor form?
Yes — and not just possible, plausible. Fiorentina’s home form this season is shaky, with only one win in their last five at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Lecce, though struggling, have shown resilience in tight games, drawing with top-half sides and nearly beating Napoli. A 1-1 draw, as predicted by Scores24.live, is entirely realistic — especially if Fiorentina’s attack continues to stall.
What’s the most likely betting outcome?
While bookmakers favor Fiorentina to win (-156 to -164), the safest bet is under 2.5 total goals. Both teams have gone under that mark in seven of their last eight combined matches. Fiorentina’s average of 4.1 corners per game is misleading — they’ve not hit five corners in any of their last five home games against Lecce. A 1-0 or 1-1 scoreline is statistically far more likely than a high-scoring thriller.
What does this match mean for the relegation battle?
A win for Fiorentina would cut the gap to safety to just three points — keeping their hopes alive. A Lecce win would push them to 14 points, putting them within touching distance of the top half. But a draw leaves both teams in a dangerous zone, with only five points separating 16th from 19th. With 11 games left, every point is a lifeline — and this match could be the one that tips either side into the drop zone.