Spezia vs Lazio: Match Preview, Expected Lineups, Team News

Ciro Immobile and Martin Erlic Serie A 2021-2022 match SS Lazio v Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Rome, 28 August 2021 © Marco Rosi / Fotonotizia

Lazio come into this match against Spezia looking for redemption following their frustrating last minute loss to Scudetto hopefuls Milan last week.

The Roman club took an early 1-0 lead over the Rossoneri at the Stadio Olimpico last Sunday, but they couldn’t hold onto their advantage and a Sandro Tonali winner in the 92nd minute left a bitter taste in the mouths of both the squad and the fans. Before the loss to Milan, Lazio had picked up a 1-1 draw with Torino, a 4-1 win over Genoa and a 2-1 win over Sassuolo.

Following a bright start to 2022, things have gone a little downhill for Thiago Motta’s Spezia; the Ligurian side have only won twice in their last 11 league outings. Luckily for them, their 33 points may just be enough to see them avoid the drop to Serie B.

The match between Spezia and Lazio kicks off at 20.45 local time on Saturday at the Stadio Alberto Picco.

Spezia vs Lazio: Team News

Lazio have recovered from the flu outbreak that ravaged the squad ahead of their 2-1 defeat to Milan. The only player now in doubt for the match is Spanish veteran Pedro, who is still suffering from a slight calf strain.

Luiz Felipe, Adam Marusic, Patric and Ciro Immobile are all at risk of picking up a one-match suspension should they receive a yellow card in the game.

Léo Sena and Ebrima Colley are both unavailable for Spezia this weekend due to muscle injuries, leaving Thiago Motta with a mostly full-strength squad. Martin Erlic is also absent due to a yellow-card suspension.

Emmanuel Gyasi and Simone Bastoni are also at risk of being suspended should they be booked against Lazio.

Expected Starting Lineups

Maurizio Sarri’s greatest doubts surround Lazio’s midfield. Lucas Leiva and Luis Alberto are likely to join Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but there’s a chance that Danilo Cataldi and Toma Basic could muscle their way into the starting 11. Patric may also get the nod over Luiz Felipe.

Thiago Motta also has a few doubts for his Spezia lineup; Petko Hristov, Viktor Kovalenko and Kevin Agudelo seem set to start, but could be dropped in favour of Bastoni, Mehdi Bourabia and Daniele Verde.

Spezia (4-3-3): Provedel; Reca, Nikolaou, Hristov, Amian; Kovalenko, Kiwior, Maggiore; Agudelo, Manaj, Gyasi.

Lazio (4-3-3): Strakosha; Lazzari, Patric, Acerbi, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.

Tags Biancocelesti Italy Lazio Lazio vs Spezia Lazio-Spezia Rome Serie A Spezia Spezia vs Lazio Spezia-Lazio