Lecce boss Eusebio Di Francesco is convinced they can compete in this season's Serie A.
Lecce stayed up last season under Gigi de Canio before he was replaced by Di Francesco.
"I think the relegation battle will consist of seven or eight teams this season," said the former Pescara tactician.
"However, you can't take anything for granted in this championship. Just look at what happened to Sampdoria last term."