Lazio vs Roma: Match Preview
Lazio returns to the Stadio Olimpico to take on Roma in the Derby della Capitale in Matchday 2 of the 2019/20 Serie A. Last season, both sides each won a match, splitting the head to head series. The Giallorossi won 3-1 in September of 2018 while the Biancocelesti won 3-0 in March of 2019. In regards to the number of times they have faced off against each other, the number stands at 150 in the Serie A and 170 in all competitions. An extremely valued encounter, as both clubs looking to qualify for Champions League this season, neither team can afford to lose points – especially from this highly contested rivalry.
Simone Inzaghi’s side comes into the game with confidence and momentum as they displayed an all-round performance on the road at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris against Sampdoria in Matchday 1. Ciro Immobile led the way, as per usual, with a brace in the match while Luis Alberto picked up two assists in a 3-0 victory. There was only one new acquisition who started the clash against the Blucerchiati. This was wing-back Manuel Lazzari, who has already made his presence felt and is already becoming a fan favorite early on in the campaign. Throughout his professional debut for the Eagles, he proved why he was wanted by manager Simone Inzaghi. He was a bright spark, offering strength, pace, creativity, and chance creation with darting runs up and down the flank and completing several crosses. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also had one of his proper outings, showing why the club was so adamant in retaining him for another year. Throughout the game, he was dominant in the air, winning the 50/50’s, and making clear-cut passes to his teammates. Matchday 1’s showing was very strong from Lazio in all aspects and departments and they will look to carry on this excellent form as they take on their hometown rivals.
Paulo Fonseca’s side was strong upfront but certainly showed signs of weaknesses in the backline against Genoa this past Sunday in Rome. Roma tied Genoa 3-3; they gave up the lead on not one, not two, but three occasions, and were unable to finish the game with three points. Juan Jesus had a match to forget as the defender was accountable for most of their goals and will want to rebound this Sunday against the Biancocelesti if given the chance. However, this looks highly unlikely as the club have just acquired Chris Smalling from Manchester United. Edin Dzeko and Cengiz Under both looked dominant against the Rossoblu, each scoring a goal in the match. Just signing his new contract this past week, the Bosnian really delivered, showing his experience, while the Turkish youngster showed that he will be a great player to look forward to in the near future. All in all, Roma will need to strengthen their backend and improve their defensive awareness if they are to have any chance of winning against Lazio’s strong offense.
Lazio vs Roma: Expected Lineups
Lazio (3-5-1-1): Strakosha; Radu, Acerbi, Luiz Felipe; Lulic, Luis Alberto, Leiva, Milinkovic-Savic, Lazzari; Correa; Immobile.
Luiz Felipe-Vavro: 80-20%
Leiva-Parolo: 60-40%
Roma (4-2-3-1): Pau Lopez; Kolarov, Mancini, Fazio, Zappacosta; Pellegrini, Cristante; Florenzi, Zaniolo, Under; Dzeko
Mancini-Juan Jesus: 60-40%
Zappacosta-Kluivert: 60-40%
Zaniolo-Diawara 55-45%
Lazio vs Roma: Prediction
Lazio and Roma face each other in the Derby and each club will be ready as neither will want to accept losing to their rival. Lazio is coming off a strong start, where they dominated most of the game against Sampdoria with Ciro Immobile scoring his first two goals of the season and Joaquin Correa scoring his first. Newly acquired Manuel Lazzari made his team debut and showed why Lazio had wanted him as he was effective on the right side all game making nice passes into the box, beating defenders one on one, and having scoring chances. As for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto, both were exceptional making great passes from the midfield and creating space. As for their counterpart in Roma, the Giallorossi were not as successful tying against Genoa. They scored on three different occasions to gain the lead against Genoa but failed to hold the lead. Cengiz Under, Edin Dzeko, and Aleksandar Kolarov were on the scoresheet, with the Bosnian scoring a nice individual effort and rewarding the Romanisti fans after signing a new contract with the club last week. The team’s offense was very present throughout the game, but one cannot say the same about their defense. A very offensive game could be on display this Sunday, but when the Derby takes place, expect Lazio to have the edge in this contest.
Prediction: Lazio 2-1 Roma
