Sassuolo vs Lecce: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.05.2026
One of the key fixtures of Serie A’s 37th round will take place this Saturday at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, where Sassuolo welcomes Lecce. Here’s my take on the outcome: the hosts are calmly winding down a successful season after their return to Serie A, while the visitors are under immense pressure in the fight for survival.
Sassuolo
Sassuolo have already accomplished their main objective for the season and are firmly mid-table, yet Fabio Grosso’s side still have plenty of motivation. After bouncing back from Serie B, the Neroverdi are sitting 11th, recently toppled Milan 2-0, and are closing in on the 50-point mark, although they did lose 1-2 to Torino last round.
At home, Sassuolo look particularly confident: they’ve won their last three matches on their own turf and five of the last six in Reggio Emilia. The main threat up front is the trio of Berardi, Pinamonti, and Laurienté: even if Pinamonti has slowed down his scoring, Berardi and Laurienté continue to provide quality in the final third.
Lecce
Lecce approach this round in a much more nervous state, with just a single point separating them from the relegation zone. Eusebio Di Francesco’s men have picked up five points against Pisa, Verona, and Fiorentina, but a 0-1 defeat to Juventus has thrown them back into danger—especially after Cremonese’s 3-0 win over Pisa.
The visitors’ troubles aren’t just on the table; their attacking output is also a concern. Potential doubts over Medon Berisha, Riccardo Sottil, Sadik Fofana, and Kialonda Gaspar limit their options, while Lameck Banda and Lassana Coulibaly haven’t provided consistent impact up front for some time. After their direct setback against Cremonese, Lecce need another attacking breakthrough—otherwise, the final round could turn into a survival stress test.
Probable lineups
- Sassuolo: Muric, Coulibaly, Walukiewicz, Muharemovic, Garcia, Kone, Matic, Thorstvedt, Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté.
- Lecce: Falcone, Ndaba, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo, Ramadani, Ngom, Pierotti, Coulibaly, Banda, Cheddira.
Match facts & H2H
- Sassuolo have won their last three home games and five of their last six in Reggio Emilia.
- Lecce are only one point clear of the drop zone and have a poor head-to-head record against Cremonese.
- Two seasons ago, Lecce won this fixture at Sassuolo’s stadium 3-0.
Prediction
Sassuolo look the calmer and more balanced side, and their home form makes them logical favorites. Grosso boasts a strong attacking unit capable of punishing Lecce for their nerves and forced gaps between the lines. Lecce will give everything, knowing there’s no margin for error, but that pressure could prevent them from keeping their composure in crucial moments. Expect a tense battle, but the hosts’ attacking class and home tempo should see them edge out their opponents.
