Many are already deeming FC Bayern Munich as the overwhelming favorites to defeat Lazio in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 stage and progress on through to the quarterfinal round. For one, Bayern is the reigning and defending Champions League winner. More so, Hansi Flick and his side head into the tie having won five Champions League group stage fixtures this season.
Still, former Italian defender Alessandro Costacurta is not buying into the notion that Bayern is the clear favorite to defeat Lazio. For Costacurta, there is one notable weakness of Bayern’s that Lazio could potentially exploit, which would certainly favor the Italian side in the tie. Costacurta previewed the fixture in comments relayed by the Italian-based outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi.
We have seen what Bayern’s weakest point is. The defense with Boateng plays very high and is attackable. Lazio’s strength is the duo of Luis Alberto and [Ciro] Immobile that can strike in that area. If there is hope, it will come from there. For the rest, I see it very hard. Bayern will not have fun anyway.
For many Lazio talents, the tie will be a key opportunity for them to showcase to the rest of the continent on why they deserve more attention. Costacurta believes that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will be among those players who will have a key chance to showcase their top play against Bayern.
He showed traits of incredible talent, but he has always been discontinuous. Also, for him, it is an opportunity to show his worth.
This upcoming tie will certainly be a fixture to closely watch.
