Torino vs Lecce: Preview, Prediction & Team News

In a pivotal Serie A encounter that could define their seasons, Torino welcome Lecce to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on February 1, 2026, for Gameweek 23. Both clubs are mired in a battle against relegation, with Torino reeling from a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Como and Lecce scraping a point against Lazio. This early Sunday kickoff at 11:30am promises drama as two of Italy's underperforming sides clash in a fight for survival.

Match Preview: Desperation in Turin

Torino's campaign has unraveled spectacularly since the new year. The Granata have mustered just one league win in 2026, leaving them with a precarious 23 points and only six clear of the drop zone. Their latest capitulation—a 6-0 thrashing by Como—highlighted defensive frailties, with an average of three goals conceded per game over their last four Serie A losses. Head coach Marco Baroni, facing mounting pressure, knows a loss here could ignite calls for his sacking, especially with a daunting Coppa Italia quarter-final against Inter Milan looming next week.

At home, Torino's record is equally concerning: they've lost more than half of their fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico. Fan frustration is palpable, and with just five points separating them from 17th-placed Lecce, the stakes couldn't be higher. Interestingly, Lecce have won the last two league meetings, including a victory in November's reverse fixture, adding intrigue to this matchup.

Lecce, meanwhile, are in even deeper trouble. The Salentini are winless in seven Serie A games and have failed to score in their last three outings. Last week's 0-0 draw with Lazio ended a four-game losing streak but did little to alleviate their woes. Under Eusebio Di Francesco, Lecce's attack is Serie A's most barren, with only 13 goals all season and a paltry six on the road. Their last away win came in early November, and four of their past five trips have ended goalless.

Despite their struggles, Lecce have earned 15 of their 18 points against bottom-half teams, offering a glimmer of hope for this northern trek. Facing Torino's league-worst defense (40 goals conceded), they might exploit vulnerabilities, but their lack of firepower could prove costly.

Recent Form Guide

Torino's Serie A form reads L W L L L L, while all competitions show W L L W L L. They're desperate for a spark. Lecce's league run is D L L L L D, underscoring their inability to convert chances. Head-to-head, Torino hold a slight edge historically, but recent results favor the visitors.

Team News: Injuries and Transfers Shape Lineups

Torino's squad is depleted ahead of this crunch tie. Forward Cyril Ngonge has departed for Espanyol, and Giovanni Simeone remains sidelined with a thigh injury. That leaves Duvan Zapata and Alieu Njie vying to partner Che Adams, who netted against Lecce earlier this season. In midfield, Ivan Ilic and Gvidas Gineitis are out, alongside Zakaria Aboukhlal, Adam Masina, and Ardian Ismajli. New signing Matteo Prati from Cagliari replaces the outgoing Kristjan Asllani but is unlikely to start immediately.

Baroni's probable lineup: Paleari; Tameze, Maripan, Coco; Pedersen, Casadei, Ilkhan, Lazaro; Vlasic; Adams, Zapata. This setup aims to balance creativity with defensive solidity, though Torino's backline has been anything but solid lately.

Lecce, too, face challenges. Teenage striker Francesco Camarda is out for three months following shoulder surgery, opening the door for new arrival Walid Cheddira to lead the line alongside Nikola Stulic. Midfielders Omri Gandelman and Sadik Fofana are in contention after recent signings, while Kialonda Gaspar returns from suspension. However, Medon Berisha is absent, and several players—including Mohamed Kaba—may exit before the winter window closes.

Di Francesco's expected XI: Falcone; Veiga, Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Gandelman, Banda; Cheddira. This formation emphasizes counter-attacks, hoping to capitalize on Torino's high line.

Key Players to Watch

For Torino, Che Adams' movement and finishing could unlock Lecce's compact defense. Duvan Zapata's physicality will test the visitors' back three. On the Lecce side, Cheddira's fresh legs might provide the spark their attack needs, while Remi Banda's pace on the wing could exploit Torino's full-backs.

Prediction: A Tight Torino Triumph

This clash pits Serie A's worst attack (Lecce) against its leakiest defense (Torino), in a game both teams are desperate to win. Expect a cagey affair, with moments of brilliance deciding the outcome. Torino's home advantage and slightly superior squad depth should edge it, but Lecce's recent dominance in head-to-heads keeps it close.

Our prediction: Torino 2-1 Lecce. The Granata's greater potency—bolstered by Adams and Zapata—should prevail, but don't rule out a gritty draw if Lecce frustrate early.

Tactical Breakdown

Baroni will likely push for control in midfield to limit Lecce's transitions, while Di Francesco opts for a low block, relying on set-pieces and counters. Torino's set-piece defending has been poor, so Lecce's aerial threats like Cheddira could punish them. Weather in Turin—potentially chilly in February—might favor the hosts' physical style.

Broader Implications for Serie A

A win for Torino would provide breathing room and boost morale ahead of Inter, potentially stabilizing Baroni's position. For Lecce, points here are vital to halt their slide, especially with tougher fixtures looming. This match exemplifies Serie A's mid-table chaos, where every point counts in the relegation scrap.

As the winter transfer window nears its close, both clubs eye reinforcements: Torino for defensive steel, Lecce for goals. Fans can follow live updates on Everythiiing.com, with full coverage post-match.

Stay tuned for live scores, analysis, and more Serie A action. Will Torino roar back, or will Lecce extend their hoodoo-breaking run?