Lazio take on Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Matchday 5 of the 2021/22 Serie A.
Torino Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
Torino have a record of 2W-0D-2L (6 points) and sit in 10th place in the top flight of Italian football.
In their recent league match against Sassuolo, they came away with a deserved 1-0 victory away from home. Despite creating numerous scoring chances and hitting the post on a few occasions, they could not find the back of the net until the 83rd minute, when substitute Marko Pjaca scored a curler.
While most of the starting lineup who played against the Neroverdi will start against Lazio, there will likely be a few changes made to the midfield for this clash, including the likes of Cristian Ansaldi and Rolando Mandragora.
Concerning absences, Armando Izzo, Dennis Praet, Andrea Belotti, Simone Edera, and Simone Zaza will be unavailable to Ivan Juric.
Torino’s Probable Starting XI vs Lazio: No Belotti or Praet, Mandragora In
Lazio Team News & Expected Starting Lineup
Lazio have a record of 2W-1D-1L (7 points) and sit in 6th place in the top flight of Italian football.
In their recent league match against Cagliari, they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw. While they dominated in possession and shots, two defensive errors and a terrific performance from Alessio Cragno cost them all three points.
While most of Lazio’s regular starters will start this fixture, Danilo Cataldi and Patric are reportedly set to be given a start, replacing Lucas Leiva and Luiz Felipe (who will be rested ahead of the Derby della Capitale against Roma).
Concerning absences, Mattia Zaccagni is the only player that will be unavailable to Maurizio Sarri for this fixture.
Lazio’s Probable Starting XI vs Torino: Cataldi & Patric In, Leiva & Luiz Felipe Out
Torino’s Player to Watch
Josip Brekalo, who joined Torino on loan this past summer from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, was heavily linked to Lazio before ultimately joining the Granata.
The Croatian made his Serie A debut in the club’s previous match, playing 76 minutes before being substituted. His performance included four shots (with one shot hitting the post), 25 accurate passes (78% success rate), and the three key passes from a left forward/attacking midfielder position.
He will be hungry to open his scoring accounts both in the league and for his new club and will look to do so against the Biancocelesti.
Lazio’s Player to Watch
Felipe Anderson, who re-joined Lazio this past summer, has been heavily relied upon thus far. He has started all five of the club’s matches this season, playing as both a left-winger and a right-winger.
Torino are the Brazilian’s favourite opponent in Serie A; he has scored five goals against the Granata, including netting two of his three braces in the Italian top-flight.
While he has only managed to score once this season, he will be eager to help Lazio get back to winning ways and return to the scoresheet against Torino.
Statistics & Facts
- The Biancocelesti have not gone two consecutive games without a goal against the Granata in Serie A since 2013.
- Torino have only won one of their last seven Serie A home games against Lazio (1W-2D-4L).
- The Biancocelesti could win three Serie A away matches in a row against Torino for the first time ever.
- Lazio have not drawn any of their last 13 Serie A away games (5W-0D-8L).
- In the 12 times that Sarri has faced Torino, he has only lost once (8W-3D-1L).
- Sarri has only lost to Juric on one occasion (3W-1D-1L).
Match Prediction
Juric has Torino playing great football despite being without some of their regular starters, while Sarri’s tactics are taking a little bit of time to come to fruition on the big stage. However, due to the recent history between these two sides, expect the Biancocelesti to edge past the Granata in this fixture and secure all three points.
- Torino 1-2 Lazio
