Juventus vs. Lecce: Round 18 Match Preview

Juventus will kick off the new year with a crucial match against Lecce on January 3, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This is the first fixture for Juventus in 2026 following a successful end to the previous year, where they won three consecutive matches. Lecce, currently hovering just above the relegation zone, poses a challenge for Juventus as they look to maintain their momentum in Serie A.

Juventus’ Current Form

Under the guidance of coach Luciano Spalletti, Juventus has seen notable improvements. They are currently averaging 2.1 points per game, compared to 1.7 points prior to Spalletti’s arrival. This uptick includes a crucial winning streak that they hope to extend against lower-positioned teams in January.

Upcoming Matches

The fixture against Lecce is the start of an intense month for Juventus, which includes matches against teams ranked 16th, 9th, 12th, and 14th in the league. These games present an opportunity for Juventus to gain valuable points ahead of their Champions League fixtures, which will resume later in January.

Injury Updates and Squad Changes

Juventus will welcome back Francisco Conceição, who has returned to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury. However, key players Federico Gatti, Daniele Rugani, and Dusan Vlahovic remain sidelined. Arek Milik is a doubt due to a minor issue, while Juan Cabal is set to return following muscle fatigue.

Signs of Optimism

Spalletti has expressed his desire for consistency as the team prepares to take on Lecce. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the favorable fixtures ahead:

• Juventus seeks to build on the positive late-2025 form.
• With a packed schedule, maintaining a high level of performance is crucial.

Kickoff Details

The match is scheduled to start at 6 PM local time in Italy, 5 PM in the UK, and 12 PM Eastern time. Fans can catch the game through various streaming services, including Paramount+ and DAZN.

As Juventus prepares to take the field, the pressure is on to secure another victory and create a winning streak as they head into a pivotal month of matches. The clash against Lecce is not just about the points; it represents an opportunity for Juventus to assert their position in the league and strengthen their campaign for the top spots in Serie A.