Sampdoria vs Lazio: Match Preview
Lazio travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to take on Sampdoria in Matchday 1 of the 2019/20 Serie A. The last time these two clubs started their campaign off against each other was nine years ago in 2010/11 when the Blucerchiati defeated the Biancocelesti 2-0 in Liguria.
Taking a look at the summer transfer window for each side, both have been extremely busy. Amongst many others, Simone Inzaghi’s side have acquired Manuel Lazzari, Denis Vavro, Jony, and Bobby Adekanye while Eusebio Di Francesco’s side have acquired Emil Audero, Jakub Jankto, Julian Chabot, and Jeison Murillo. However, in addition to new arrivals, several players have permanently left both sides this offseason. Some notable mentions include Alessandro Murgia, Pedro Neto, and Martin Caceres from Rome and Joachim Andersen, Dennis Praet, and Marco Sau from Genoa.
Despite the great deal of work completed by each club, only a small margin of both starting elevens will actually contain unfamiliar faces. Both managers will likely opt for experienced footballers in the top flight of Italian football before putting their faith in the newcomers.
Looking at the previous ten matches between Lazio and Sampdoria, the Eagles have been dominant, winning on six occasions and losing just once. In this period from May of 2015 to April of 2019, they have scored 24 goals, conceded 11, and have been able to keep three clean sheets. In more recent times, last season Lazio drew 2-2 at home while winning 2-1 away.
Sampdoria vs Lazio: Expected Lineups
Lazio (3-5-1-1): Strakosha; Radu, Acerbi, Luiz Felipe; Lulic, Luis Alberto, Parolo, Milinkovic-Savic, Lazzari; Correa; Immobile.
Sampdoria (4-3-3): Audero; Murru, Colley, Murillo, Bereszynski; Linetty, Ekdal, Vieira; Caprari, Quagliarella, Gabbiadini.
Sampdoria vs Lazio: Prediction
Lazio are coming off one of the best preseasons they have had in quite some time. Everything seemed to click in the friendly matches between the new and existing players exciting fans worldwide. However, while favourites in this match, they will have to be weary away from home. Lazzari will be wearing a cast as he recovers from surgery on his left hand, while Lulic and Milinkovic-Savic have just recently returned from injury themselves. Also, it is important to note that Parolo will be used as a defensive midfielder to replace the absent Lucas Leiva – something we will likely see a lot of this year. Personally, I feel as if Inzaghi is taking a risk on his preferred starting eleven as some are not 100% match fit. On the first day of their new campaign, this could prove to be the wrong decision as the manager may be forced into making changes he would not expect, changing the tempo of the match and potentially losing a member of the squad long-term.
Prediction: Lazio 2-1 Sampdoria
