Serie A

Inter against Lecce, hoping to be top at the halfway mark

The Nerazzurri host the Giallorossi and want the symbolic title of ‘Winter Champions’, while the guests also need points in their relegation battle

The draw against Napoli halted a six-game winning streak, and Inter now host Lecce, hoping to stay top of the table and distance themselves from the chasing pack (AC Milan travel to Como tomorrow). Lecce also need to move the standings. The Giallorossi have taken just one point in their last four outings and lost their six-pointer against Parma at the weekend.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

In Milan, there have been 21 official meetings between Inter and Lecce: Inter have won 18 (most recently 2–0 in Serie A 2024/25), there have been two draws (most recently 1–1 in the Coppa Italia 2000/01) and Lecce have won one (1–0 away in Serie A 2000/01).

Lecce’s only win away to Inter dates back to 12 November 2000, decided by a goal from Davor Vugrinec; Inter also missed a penalty, with Blanc failing to convert for the hosts.

Inter have won each of the last 11 meetings at San Siro. Lecce have gone 431 minutes without scoring away to Inter: their last goal at San Siro was scored by Muriel in the 19th minute of Inter–Lecce 4–1 on 21 December 2011.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter could be crowned Serie A 2025/26 Winter Champions with a positive result against Lecce. In the 93 single round-robin Serie A seasons played to date, the Winter Champions have gone on to win the Scudetto 63 times (67.7%).

Inter have not been Winter Champions since 2023/24, a season in which they then went on to win the title. They are also the most recent team to lose the league after finishing the first half of the season top of the table (2021/22, when Milan won the Scudetto).

Inter have still not received a red card, like Torino, Verona and Cagliari.

This match pits the highest-scoring team in Serie A 2025/26 (Inter, 42 goals) against the lowest-scoring (Lecce, 13).

COACHES and PLAYERS

Federico Dimarco scored against Napoli: it was his fourth goal of this Serie A season. He has only scored more in 2020/21 (with Verona) and 2023/24 (with Inter), with five goals in each.

DISCIPLINE

Suspended: Ramadani, Banda, Gaspar (3) (Lecce)

Cautioned: Calhanoglu (Inter); Banda, Veiga(Lecce)

REFEREE

MARESCA (PASSERI – DI GIOIA) IV: MANGANIELLO, VAR: MAGGIONI, AVAR: CHIFFI

UPCOMING MATCHES

Udinese-Inter (Saturday January 17, 15.00 CET)

Milan-Lecce (Sunday January 18, 20.45 CET)