Match Today: Napoli vs Lecce 31-08-2022 Serie A

Having maintained their unbeaten run at the weekend, Napoli returned home on Wednesday to host Lecce at Maradona's studio. One of six teams with seven points at the top of the Serie A standings, Partenopi faces a southern rival who has not tasted victory since upgrade.

At the conclusion of the third round of the Italian Serie A under the lights at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Napoli saw its lightning start to the season somewhat by the organized side Fiorentina, who scored their third goalless draw in a row, after scoring nine goals during their first two matches - against Verona and Monza - Luciano Spalletti's team was denied a breakthrough despite sending in several newly acquired attacking stars.

However, the additions of Giovanni Simeone and Giacomo Raspadori to the already strong front line should pay off in the long run and represent a frightening prospect for Lecce to face in midweek. He netted nearly two goals per game last season and scored four goals against Monza on his last trip. While he generally had the upper hand against visitors to Wednesday history when the two sides last met in Serie A in February 2020 - it was Lecce who took the lead He won 3-2 in Napoli. Such a result this time would be a blow to Spalletti's hopes of finally getting the Scudetto and with matches against Lazio and Liverpool in the next few days, Napoli will want to take care of the home business of more modest opponents.

Still chasing the first point of their Serie A career, Lecce conceded to Empoli at the Via del Mare on Sunday and, despite trailing a goal against their Tuscan counterparts, managed to respond with a 1-1 draw. Marco Baroni's men were heading into the first half with a difference One goal but Gabriel Strieveza's 40th minute goal leveled the score and ultimately kept his side off the 2022-23 season mark. So far they may need to bolster their attacking intent. Last season's Serie B champion was knocked out of the Coppa Italia for Cittadella at the start of August, so it looks like all that remains is the long pressure against a return to Serie B - but his recent arrival has renewed hope among the Giallorossi's followers. World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti was hailed as a hero after completing his loan move from Barcelona last week. And they were turned to tears by the enthusiasm of Lecce fans. Having taken his place on the bench against Empoli, the Frenchman's presence may be essential in a four-way defense at Maradona Stadium given the countless options for the hosts in the final third.