Match Info

Competition: Coppa Italia — First Round

Date: August 17, 2026

Time: 20:15 (GMT+1) / August 18, 03:15 (GMT+7)

Venue: Stadio Renzo Barbera

Palermo Preview

Palermo begin their new campaign with a major cup test against Serie A opposition after narrowly missing out on promotion for a third consecutive season. Pippo Inzaghi remains in charge after Palermo finished fourth in Serie B last term, and the Rosanero will be determined to make a strong start before beginning their latest promotion campaign. The hosts possess considerable attacking quality, with Finland international Joel Pohjanpalo particularly important after scoring 24 league goals last season. Dennis Johnsen and former Lecce winger Gabriel Strefezza could also provide significant creativity from wide areas. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Lecce Preview

Lecce enter the Coppa Italia after successfully avoiding relegation from Serie A for a fifth consecutive season. Eusebio Di Francesco managed to keep the club in the top flight last term and has retained much of his squad, while Willem Geubbels has arrived to provide additional attacking firepower. Lecce won four of their six pre-season matches, although their away record last season was a major concern, with 11 defeats and only 15 goals scored across 19 league away fixtures. Lameck Banda remains unavailable amid uncertainty surrounding his future, while Geubbels could make his competitive debut. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Probable Lineups

Palermo (4-2-3-1)

Joronen; Pierozzi, Bani, Ceccaroni, Augello; Estevez, Segre; Strefezza, Hernani, Johnsen; Pohjanpalo

Lecce (4-3-3)

Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Gallo; Berisha, Coulibaly, Ngom; Pierotti, Geubbels, N'Dri (sportsmole.co.uk)

We Say

Lecce have the advantage of playing in Serie A, but Palermo's attacking firepower and home support make this a much more evenly balanced contest than the division gap suggests. Pohjanpalo's goalscoring record gives the hosts a major weapon, while Lecce will need to improve their away performances if they are to avoid an early cup exit.

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