LECCE, Italy (Interstat) — A pivotal mid-table clash in Italy’s top youth league is set for Saturday as Lecce U19 hosts Empoli U19 in Week 13 of the Campionato Primavera 1.

The match kicks off at 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on April 4 at the Campo Sportivo San Pietro in Lama in the Lecce province.

Both sides enter the fixture seeking a return to winning ways after recent draws. The home Lecce U19 squad is coming off a 1-1 stalemate against Verona U19 on Sept. 28. They have had an extended period without a match since that result.

Empoli U19 arrives following a tougher stretch, most recently falling 3-1 at home to Atalanta U19 on Oct. 5. Their season so far has been defined by draws, including 1-1 against Torino U19 on Sept. 27 and a 2-2 result with Frosinone U19 on Aug. 24.

Statistical models give a slight edge to the hosts. The Interstat ELO system projects Lecce U19 with a 51.30 percent probability to win. The organization’s game simulator predicts a narrow 2-1 victory for Lecce.

A win for either team would provide crucial momentum as the season approaches its final phase. For Empoli, securing points on the road is vital to climb the table and reverse a winless trend.

The fixture is the first of a demanding schedule ahead for Lecce. Their next match is also at home against Internazionale U19 the following Saturday, April 11, beginning a string of 10 games over the final months of the campaign.

Weather at the compact Campo Sportivo San Pietro in Lama is forecast to be partly cloudy with mild temperatures, ideal conditions for the youth prospects to showcase their talents in one of Italy’s most prestigious under-19 competitions.