Lazio take on Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Matchday 16 of the 2021/22 Serie A.
Sampdoria
Sampdoria have a record of 4W-3D-8L (15 points) and sit in 15th place in Serie A.
Their recent league match against Fiorentina ended in a disappointing 3-1 loss. The Blucerchiati opened the score within the first fifteen minutes as Antonio Candreva delivered a beautiful cross to Maniolo Gabbiadini. However, the Viola responded well with three successive goals from Jose Callejon, Dusan Valhovic and Riccardo Sottil. It was a frustrating performance from Sampdoria, who managed to seize the early momentum and lead yet failed to follow through as Fiorentina responded well and fought back in this contest.
Concerning absences, Mikkel Damsgaard, Ernesto Torregrossa and Tommaso Augello will be unavailable to Roberto D’Aversa for this fixture. In addition, Omar Colley is sidelined as he will be serving a one-game suspension.
Expected Starting Lineup
Sampdoria’s Probable Starting Lineup vs Lazio: No Damsgaard or Torregrossa
Player to Watch
Antonio Candreva has scored six goals in sixteen league matches thus far and has been in great form in recent times. The wing-back has two goals and contributed three assists in his past three matches for Sampdoria. Candreva is having a stellar season and has been a key contributor in their offense. However, since leaving Lazio back in August 2016, he has yet to register a point (goal or assist) against the Roman side in 15 matches across all competitions.
Lazio
Lazio have a record of 6W-4D-5L (22 points) and sit in ninth place in the top flight of Italian football.
In their recent match against Udinese in Serie A, they put forth a relentless performance as they managed to come back to tie 4-4. It was a disappointing first half for the Biancocelesti as they trailed 3-1 at half-time. However, the home side were much better after the interval; Pedro’s goal started the comeback as they scored three successive goals to take a 4-3 lead with under fifteen minutes remaining. Although it was a resilient comeback, on the final kick of the game, Tolgay Arslan scored on a set play from a free kick from outside Lazio’s box to steal a point.
Concerning absences, Patric will be serving a one-game suspension and is the only player who will be unavailable to Maurizio Sarri for this fixture.
Expected Starting Lineup
Lazio’s Probable Starting Lineup vs Sampdoria: Sarri Again Not Rotating Much
Player to Watch
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is having an impressive season for Lazio as the midfielder has scored four goals and contributed four assists in fifteen Serie A matches. He has been a central figure in Sarri’s midfield and has provided some quality performances this season. Milinkovic-Savic has been successful versus Sampdoria as he has scored three goals and contributed four assists in nine Serie A matches against the Blucerchiati.
Match Prediction
Sampdoria have won just one of their previous 10 matches against Lazio in Serie A. Furthermore, they have secured a victory at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris against the Biancocelesti in just two of their previous nine meetings. However, Lazio have struggled defensively as they have only managed to secure two clean sheets in fifteen Serie A matches. They have conceded ten goals in their past three matches and will need a better defensive performance if they are to win versus Sampdoria.
