Palermo vs Lecce - Coppa Italia

The Coppa Italia returns to Stadio Renzo Barbera on August 17, 2026, where Palermo and Lecce will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the Coppa Italia meeting at Stadio Renzo Barbera as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Palermo will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Palermo favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Lecce are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman J. Pohjanpalo, whose 3 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. It is claimed that Old Trafford bosses were told that the Shakhtar ace holds the 'potential to develop into a top-level centre-forward.' It was also said that Elias would slot into United's system well.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. Whatever the outcome, the Coppa Italia fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. England captain Harry Kane is likely to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona.