Lazio will be looking to bounce back from their fifth loss of the season when they host Fiorentina in the Serie A. La Viola triumphed in the Europa Conference League, easily defeating Empoli at home. The capital club returned to Stadio Olimpico after losing to them in the Champions League in Rotterdam.
Preview (Lazio vs. Fiorentina)
Lazio only managed four points from their three Group E games following an ugly match at De Kuip. They are still in the running to advance to the Champions League’s knockout stage. Maurizio Sarri’s team lost 3-1 despite putting on a dull performance against Feyenoord, the Dutch champions, on Wednesday night. Pedro’s late penalty kick was the only bright point for the team. The Biancocelesti can still hope to advance to the round of sixteen because they have already pulled off thrilling stoppage-time goals to defeat Celtic in Glasgow and secure a point against Atletico Madrid. However, they need to start playing consistently in Serie A before their rematch with Feyenoord next month.
Lazio’s league campaign started slowly, with just one victory in their first six games. However, last week’s 2-0 victory at Sassuolo propelled them into the top half of the standings. They are still outside of the top four. A string of clean sheets helped Sarri’s team finish second in Serie A last year. Despite starting a similar backfour in front of goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, they have given up more goals per game this season. Although Lazio is still vulnerable away from home, they have won both of their last two league games. They matched their record for home victories in the previous six games. Additionally, they have won six of their previous eight encounters with Fiorentina.
However, a few days later, they responded immediately, crushing Cukaricki in the Europa Conference League. These matches could determine whether the Conference League finalists from the previous season are still a serious contender. Next month’s rematch in Serbia will take place during this challenging period.
Team News
First-choice defender Nicolo Casale should be Lazio’s only injury absentee on Monday despite a busy schedule both at home and abroad. His thigh condition may keep him out until after the next international break. Maurizio Sarri might want to rotate the team in preparation for Friday’s trip to Bologna. This would mean that Manuel Lazzari would move up to the starting lineup. Taty Castellanos might even be asked to fill in up front for captain Ciro Immobile. However, having been personally involved in eight goals from 12 Serie A meetings against Fiorentina in the past. Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto will expect to start against one of his favorite opponents.
Four days after allocating his resources throughout Europe, Vincenzo Italiano, the manager of Viola, is anticipated to make additional changes, with veteran players Nico Gonzalez, Giacomo Bonaventura, and Nikola Milenkovic slated to start again. The latter scored at the Olimpico in January against Lazio and has five goals in his first eight league games this season. Right-back Michael Kayode, an Italy Under-21 talent, suffered an ankle injury against Cukaricki and will be out for two weeks. This presents an obstacle for Italiano.
Italiano, who is already without Dodo in the long run, can turn to left-footed Fabiano Parisi or youthful Pietro Comuzzo to step in. For the former Spezia coach, Yerry Mina and Gaetano Castrovilli are also unavailable. This matchup between two evenly matched teams could be decided by home advantage because Lazio usually flourishes on Roman soil while Fiorentina tends to wither. Given their hosts’ defensive shortcomings, the Viola should score at least once at the Olimpico, but it might not be enough for a point.
Lazio 2 – 1 Fiorentina
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