The Stadio Olimpico hosts Lazio vs Spezia in Matchday 2 of the 2021/22 Serie A.
In the three times that the two clubs have played each other in the top flight of Italian football, the Biancocelesti have won each meeting.
When playing at home, Lazio has a record of 1W-0D-0L against Spezia.
Lazio Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
This match takes place after Lazio won 3-1 against Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. Maurizio Sarri made his managerial debut with the Biancocelesti and his side put forth a decent performance. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Manuel Lazzari and Ciro Immobile each scored for Lazio while Filippo Bandinelli scored the lone goal for Empoli.
It was the start of a new era for Lazio as ex-manager Simone Inzaghi departed to Inter this past season. Although Lazio managed to win the match, they showed that patience will be needed under Sarri as they continue to adjust and learn his style of play. Nonetheless, Lazzari had an impactful match where he showed he has the quality to play at right-back.
Lazio have been active in the transfer market and are expected to have a new face in their lineup versus Spezia. Toma Basic officially became a Lazio player this past week as he arrived from Ligue 1 side, Bordeaux, and is expected to reinforce the midfield this season. Adam Marusic and Danilo Cataldi could return to the lineup as both players resumed training this week.
Lazio’s Probable Starting XI for Upcoming Serie A Match vs Spezia
Spezia Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
In Spezia’s recent match, they tied 2-2 against Cagliari at the Sardegna Arena. Spezia had a good start as they scored within the first ten minutes. Emmanuel Gyasi scored from outside the box with a beautiful shot. Right before the hour mark, they extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Simone Bastoni. However, Spezia squandered their two-goal lead as Joao Pedro scored a brace in a span of four minutes to help Cagliari secure a point in an entertaining match.
Spezia ca not afford to drop points this season as they will surely be fighting against relegation this season. Cagliari were the more dominant side for most of the match as they dictated the tempo and pace of the match. Spezia will need to be more disciplined and raise their intensity versus a Lazio side that has plenty of marquee players in their squad.
Like Lazio, Spezia have a new face coaching their side this year, as Thiago Motta took over for Vincenzo Italiano. His first match in charge was not the ideal start that he had hoped for so he will definitely aim to turn it around versus the Biancocelesti.
Spezia’s Probable Starting XI for Upcoming Serie A Match vs Lazio
Lazio’s Player to Watch: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Milinkovic-Savic is off to a great start this season, as the Serbian was Lazio’s best player in their recent win versus Empoli. He helped mount a comeback as he led the way with one goal and one assist.
The midfielder is in his seventh season with the Biancocelesti and will aim to follow up with another productive campaign. Last year, the Serbian was Lazio’s most productive player as he finished with eight goals and eleven assists across all competitions.
Lazio have met Spezia three times in their history, with two of their meetings coming last season. In their first head-to-head meeting, Milinkovic-Savic was the ‘Man of the Match’ as he had one goal and one assist. The Serbian will look to remain successful against the club this weekend.
Spezia’s Player to Watch: Emmanuel Gyasi
Gyasi is off to a good start as well this season as he had a goal in their recent draw versus Cagliari.
He is a player that Lazio will need to defend well against as he has good speed, is clinical, and has the ability to be a difference-maker.
Gyasi had a productive campaign last season, as he finished with five goals and added six assists across all competitions. It was his first time playing in the top flight and he fared well. The last time these two sides met, he earned one assist in a 2-1 loss at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio vs Spezia: Statistics & Facts
- The past two meetings between Lazio and Spezia have been decided by one goal.
- Lazio have managed to win one of their past six season home openers; during that span, they have a record of one win, two draws, and three losses.
- Sarri will make his home debut as manager of Lazio versus Spezia; this will be his first appearance in front of the fans and he will aim to deliver a victory for his side
- Immobile has shown good form for Lazio as, dating back to last season, he has scored seven goals in his past nine matches in Serie A
Lazio vs Spezia: Prediction
- Lazio 2-0 Spezia
