US LECCE NEWS

Nicola Sansone - Diagnosed with strain Sansone sustained a low-grade soleus strain in his right calf, Lecce informed.

Impact Sansone was a late omission ahead of the previous tilt and will have to miss two or three more depending on how the rehab goes. If Pontus Almqvist (thigh) doesn't return, Gabriel Strefezza and Remi Oudin will play on the wings since Lameck Banda will leave for AFCON soon.

DECEMBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nicola Sansone - Suffers muscular injury Sansone picked up a calf problem in the final practice and will require some tests to assess it, coach Roberto D'Aversa relayed.

Impact Sansone has been ruled out for Saturday's match against Atalanta, leaving his side in a pickle since Lameck Banda and Pontus Almqvist are also missing. Remi Oudin, Marcin Listkowski, or Patrick Dorgu will adapt to the position in a pinch.

DECEMBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pontus Almqvist - Absent again Alqvist (thigh) hasn't been called up for Saturday's game versus Atalanta.

Impact Almqvist will skip his fourth match in a row after a relapse of a thigh problem which was initially believed to be a minor issue. Since Nicola Sansone picked up an injury and Lameck Banda is suspended, Remi Oudin or Marcin Listkowski will play on one of the flanks in this one, with Gabriel Strefezza on the other one.

DECEMBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Kastriot Dermaku - Out for the season Dermaku has been diagnosed with a left ACL tear, Lecce announced.

Impact Dermaku got hurt in practice and will spend at least six months on the shelf. He has played just once in the last season and a half since Lecce were promoted to Serie A due to multiple injuries and because he has always been a deep reserve in the back.

DECEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Dorgu - Unused in Inter fixture Dorgu (knee) didn't play in Saturday's 0-2 loss to Inter.

Impact Dorgu had appeared in every game he was available for prior to this one, so he probably wasn't 100 percent despite making the bench. The coach has gone back and forth between him and Antonino Gallo at the position so far. He has better chances to feature when they want to be more aggressive.

DECEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gabriel Strefezza - Slow day Saturday Strefezza generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Inter Milan.

Impact Strefezza was not all too active against Inter, only notching two shots, one cross and a chance created. The attacker has been a regular starter for much of this season, making ten starts on the season while registering 17 chances created and 39 crosses to go along with one goal on 26 shots this campaign.

DECEMBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wladimiro Falcone - Allows two against Inter Falcone registered six saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan.

Impact Falcone had a decent match but still was handed the loss Saturday, making six saves while allowing two goals against Inter Milan. The goalie still only has two clean sheets on the season, with his last coming 12 contests ago against Genoa on Sep. 22. He will hope to pick up his third clean sheet of the season when he travels to Atalanta on Saturday.

DECEMBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lameck Banda - Suspended for two matches Banda has been handed a two-game band for insulting the referee, the League announced.

Impact Banda will be out versus Atalanta and Cagliari and then is scheduled to participate in AFCON, so it'll be a while before he plays his next Serie A game. Pontus Almqvist (thigh), Gabriel Strefezza, Nicola Sansone, and Remi Oudin will fill in while he's out.

DECEMBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Marin Pongracic - Will miss Atalanta match Pongracic had five interceptions and seven clearances, won two of three tackles, and was booked for the fifth time in Saturday's 0-2 loss to Inter.

Impact Pongracic had an extra busy showing, but his side gave up two goals to the league-leading team, and he'll have to sit the next match due to yellow-card accumulation. Ahmed Touba or Alexis Blin will take his place in the back versus Atalanta.

DECEMBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lameck Banda - Sees red in Inter game Banda registered three shots (two on goal), five crosses (two accurate), and one chance created before being sent off in Saturday's loss to Inter.

Impact Banda was the liveliest attacker for his team and paced it in deliveries but protested a call too much and was expelled late in the second half. Nicola Sansone will likely enter the XI in next Saturday's away game versus Atalanta. Remi Oudin also played on the wing for a few minutes in this one, with Hamza Rafia in the midfield.

DECEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Kastriot Dermaku - Suffers knee injury Dermaku sprained his left knee in practice and will take some tests shortly, Lecce informed.

Impact Dermaku has been ruled out for Saturday's match versus Inter and will likely miss additional time unless the problem is really minor. He has never played this season and has been on the shelf for a while due to a groin injury.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Dorgu - Fit for Inter match Dorgu (knee) is available for Saturday's game versus Inter, Lecce informed.

Impact Dorgu was a late scratch for the previous game but he quickly recuperated from a bruise and will resume competition with Antonino Gallo to play at left-back. He had started five games in a row before the hiccup, recording seven chances crated, six crosses (three accurate), and 10 tackles (five won).

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pontus Almqvist - Ruled out for Inter clash Almqvist (thigh) hasn't been selected for Saturday's match versus Inter, Lecce informed.

Impact Almqvist has shaken off an illness but has remained limited in training due to his precedent thigh injury and will be sidelined for the third fixture on the trot. Gabriel Strefezza and Nicola Sansone will continue to replace him but haven't been particularly inspiring.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Patrick Dorgu - Misses out due to minor injury Dorgu was a late scratch in Saturday's 1-2 loss to Frosinone due to a knee contusion, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.

Impact Dorgu banged knees in the final practice and ended up on the stands even though he was part of the provisional squad list. Antonino Gallo played the full game, which was unusual for him. The issue is reportedly very minor, and he'll attempt to recuperate for the upcoming Inter match.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Joan Gonzalez - Available for Inter clash Gonzalez completed a one-game suspension in Saturday's 2-1 win over Frosinone.

Impact Gonzalez will compete with Alexis Blin and Mohamed Kaba to get the nod on Saturday. He showed well in his three recent starts, scoring and assisting once and adding six shots (two on target) and two chances created.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Wladimiro Falcone - Concedes once in Frosinone bout Falcone registered four saves, one clearance, and one punch, and allowed one goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Frosinone.

Impact Falcone was under decent pressure throughout the game but held his own as usual and was beaten only by a surgical PK by Kaio Jorge. He has made 28 saves and surrendered seven goals in the last five games, with no clean sheets. Lecce will face Inter away next Saturday.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Valentin Gendrey - Swings in four crosses versus Frosinone Gendrey won nine duels and one of three tackles and had one shot (zero on goal) and four crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Frosinone.

Impact Gendrey was active on both ends of the pitch and came away with a well-rounded stat line in the win. He has notched 2 crosses (zero accurate), eight tackles, and 14 clearances in the last five games.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remi Oudin - Produces in Frosinone tilt Oudin created five scoring chances and generated one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (three accurate), and four corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Frosinone.

Impact Oudin was by far the main creator for his side, boosted his numbers through several set pieces, and had good touch for the most part. He has started over Hamza Rafia in four consecutive tilts, logging one goal, six shots (two on target), 14 chances created, and 19 crosses (six accurate).

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Antonino Gallo - Collects point in Frosinone match Gallo assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate), and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Frosinone.

Impact Gallo reclaimed the starting job over Patrick Dorgu after a while, put up good numbers in the final third, and slipped the ball to Ylber Ramadani ahead of the late game-winner for his second assist of the season. He had the previous one in the opener. He has tallied six key passes, 20 crosses (three accurate), and five tackels in his last five appearances.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lameck Banda - Provides assist against Frosinone Banda assisted once to go with four shots (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Frosinone.

Impact Banda was once again the main weapon for Lecce, paced it in attempts and deliveries, and fed Roberto Piccoli after intercepting an errant pass deep into enemy territory. He's in a groove with two goals, two assists, 19 shots (nine on target), and 20 crosses (four accurate) in the last six rounds. Lecce will face Inter away next Saturday.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ylber Ramadani - Bags first Serie A goal versus Frosinone Ramadani scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), four tackles (one won), and one interception in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Frosinone.

Impact Ramadani decided the game at the buzzer with a robust effort from distance that was deflected by an opponent. He's usually more known for his defensive contribution. He has logged six shots (two on target), eight tackles, and 10 clearances in his last five appearances.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Roberto Piccoli - Scores against Frosinone Piccoli scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Frosinone.

Impact Piccoli drew his second nod in a row and broke the deadlock early with a crafty finish after patiently working his way through a few defenders in the box. He has scored twice in the last five matches, adding nine shots (three on target) and one key pass. He's gaining separation from Nikola Krstovic for the starting job.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Pontus Almqvist - Will miss another one Almqvist (thigh/illness) hasn't been called up for Saturday's game versus Frosinone.

Impact Almqvist missed multiple practices due to the flu this week and was unable to assess his recovery from a small relapse of a thigh injury. Nicola Sansone has gotten more minutes than Gabriel Strefezza at his position.

DECEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hamza Rafia - Own goal leads to draw Rafia recorded an own goal, one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Empoli.

Impact Rafia made a critical error in Monday's match, scoring an own goal in the 71st minute to equalize the game and take away a full three points from his team in a match where Empoli failed to score one of their own. He was also poor in the defense, only registering a single tackle won in his 30 minutes of play off the bench.

DECEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE