Roma vs Lazio: Match Preview, Lineups, Prediction

Roma vs Lazio: Match Preview

Roma host Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Matchday 21 of the 2019/20 Serie A.

Looking at the previous ten matches between the two sides – from May of 2015 to September of 2019 – the Biancocelesti have won on two occasions, the Giallorossi have won on six occasions and there have been two draws. In more recent times, Lazio drew 1-1 in Rome in Matchday 2 of the 2019/20 campaign.

In regards to form in the Serie A this campaign, Simone Inzaghi’s team sits in third with a record of 14W-3D-2L (45 points), while Paulo Fonseca’s side sits in fourth with a record of 11W-5D-4L (38 points); the last round of Italian football saw the Biancocelesti defeat Sampdoria 5-1 and the Giallorossi defeat Genoa 3-1.

Roma vs Lazio: Expected Lineups

Paulo Fonseca, Source- The Straits Times

Roma (4-2-3-1): Pau Lopez; Kolarov, Smalling, Santon; Veretout, Cristante; Under, Kluivert, Pellegrini; Dzeko.

Simone Inzaghi, Source- Getty Images

Lazio (3-5-1-1): Strakosha; Radu, Acerbi, Luiz Felipe; Lulic, Luis Alberto, Leiva, Milinkovic-Savic, Lazzari; Correa; Immobile.

Roma vs Lazio: Prediction

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. However, in the first leg this season – back in October- Lazio tied Roma 1-1 in an exciting match. This is an extremely valued encounter, as both clubs are looking to qualify for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League and 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 at home at the Stadio Olimpico against Sampdoria in Matchday 19. Ciro Immobile led the way, as per usual, with a hat-trick in the match while Felipe Caicedo and Bastos each scored in their 5-1 win. The striker continues to impress this season as he leads Serie A with 23 goals. Lazio’s first goal witnessed an impressive individual effort with the Italian trying to be hauled down by two defenders yet showed great strength and got a shot on net with Caicedo following up on the rebound to score. Luis Alberto also had one of his proper outings, showing why the club was so adamant to retain him for another year. Throughout the game, the midfielder made good challenges, was dominant in the air, winning the 50/50’s and making clear-cut passes to his teammates. Matchday 20’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 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Roma won 3-1 against Genoa; they scored the opening goal of the match as it took the Giallorossi five minutes to find the back of the net. Leonardo Spinazzola had a great match as the defender’s presence was well known throughout the game making timely challenges and key blocks in the back end. Edin Dzeko and Cengiz Under both looked dominant against the Rossoblu, each scoring a goal in the match. Just signing his new contract this season, the Bosnian has delivered and shown his experience, as he’s scored eight goals and three assists in Serie A this year. The forward has had an enjoyable campaign and will look to build off his recent performance against the Biancocelesti.

Lazio enter their match against Roma winning their last 11 Serie A matches while they are unbeaten in their past 14 matches. Lazio has a chance to create more history this season, as if they win, they will pass their rival Roma for the second most consecutive wins in Serie A. 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.

Prediction: Roma 1-2 Lazio

Tags Biancocelesti giallorossi Lazio Paulo Fonseca Roma Serie A Simone Inzaghi Stadio Olimpico