Relegation-threatened Lecce eager to end three-game losing run.

Bologna FC vs. US Lecce begins at 14:00 [GMT+1] on Sunday, April 12, at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Bologna will make their way back to Serie A action following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final round. They head into Sunday’s clash with Lecce having alternated between a win and a loss in the last five games [WLWLW] following last weekend’s 2-1 win over Cremonese. Breaking the trend for back-to-back victories now appears appealing for Vincenzo Italiano’s side as they continue in pursuit of European qualifying places. The home side are sitting 8th with 45 points, but their recent home form is a growing concern. Despite their respectable league position, they have lost five of their last six home matches, managing just one win in their previous ten Serie A games at Dall’Ara. Their attacking output has also dipped, averaging under one goal per game at home, which has made it difficult to impose themselves in front of their own supporters. Despite Bologna’s current home difficulties, the historical record in this fixture strongly favours the hosts. Bologna are unbeaten in their last 10 Serie A meetings with Lecce and have avoided defeat in 19 of their last 20 encounters overall. At home, they have been particularly dominant, winning their last four against Lecce while keeping clean sheets in each of their previous three. A 4—3—3 formation with Santiago Castro, Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe in attack may be seen against Lecce. Lewis Ferguson is suspended for this clash.

In contrast, Lecce arrive in 18th place with 27 points, deep in relegation trouble and desperately in need of points. The visitors have just as many points as 17th-placed Cremonese as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Bologna, while being three points away from 16th-placed Cagliari. Monday’s 3-0 loss to Atalanta left Lecce with three defeats in a row [LWLLL] and a reason to make a statement win here with survival firmly on the line. However, their away form offers little encouragement. They have lost five of their last six away matches and have picked up just one win from their previous ten Serie A road trips. Scoring has been a major issue, with Lecce averaging just 0.67 goals per away game, underlining their struggles in the final third. Lecce’s recent run of three consecutive away defeats further highlights their vulnerability, especially against sides that are organised defensively. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Walid Cheddira in attack is expected against Bologna. Youssef Maleh is suspended from Sunday’s trip.