Lecce – Juventus arrived at the Via del Mare with the matchday lineups already set for the 20.45 kickoff. Luciano Spalletti chose Dusan Vlahovic to start in attack for Juventus, while Eusebio Di Francesco handed Cheddira the lone-striker role for Lecce.
Di Gregorio and Falcone Start
Juventus lined up with Di Gregorio in goal behind a back four of Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly and Cambiaso. Locatelli and Koopmeiners sat in front of the defense, with Conceiçao, McKennie and Yildiz on the three-quarter line.
That gave Spalletti a front line built around Vlahovic rather than a change-up from the opening whistle. The selection also put Yildiz and McKennie into advanced roles, with Conceiçao joining them just behind the striker.
Lecce Trust Cheddira
Lecce answered with Falcone in goal and a defense of Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel and Gallo. Ramadani and Ngom formed the midfield base, while Pierotti, Coulibaly and Banda supported Cheddira from behind.
Di Francesco’s choice left Lecce with one clear central reference in attack. For a side chasing points for survival, the shape pointed to a direct setup built around the players in front of Falcone rather than a crowded midfield.
The lineups mattered before a ball was kicked because they set the first tactical picture of the night: Juventus with Vlahovic leading the line, and Lecce leaning on Cheddira to carry the attack at home. What followed at the Via del Mare would be shaped by those openings from the first whistle.
