Lazio are looking to maintain their positive early momentum with a strong result against Ivan Juric’s Torino.
The two teams both picked up a 2-1 win in their season openers last week, but the manner was entirely different. Lazio had to fight tooth and nail against Bologna to secure all three points, with a late Ciro Immobile winner guiding the team to victory, whilst Torino mostly remained in control against Monza, keeping a 2-0 lead until the 94th minute, when Dany Mota netted a consolation goal.
Winning difficult away matches like this is key for Maurizio Sarri and his squad as they look to fight for a top four finish this season, whereas an impressive home result against a top side would be the perfect way for Juric to keep confidence sky high in his Torino side, setting up a tense affair.
Last season, both meetings were steely and ended all square at 1-1.
The match between Torino and Lazio kicks off at 18.30 local time at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin.
Torino vs Lazio: Team News
Juric will have to do without both David Zima and new signing Aleksei Miranchuk for the match as both players are sidelined with injury. Sasa Lukic is back in the squad after his exclusion in the Monza clash; the 26-year-old had some disagreements with the club, but the Torino coach has since said that he’s ready to “forgive him”.
Maurizio Sarri expects to have veteran winger Pedro available again after his recent ankle injury, although the 2010 World Cup winner is not expected to start still. Nicolo Casale could make his first start for Lazio, but Patric still appears to be favoured for the time being.
Luis Maximiano is suspended after his red card in the season opener against Bologna. It’s only a one-match suspension, so he’ll return to the squad next week.
Expecting Starting Lineups
Juric’s major two doubts revolve around the left side of his midfield, with Ola Aina and Mergim Vojvoda both competing for one starting spot on the left side, and Lukic and Karol Linetty competing for the other.
Sarri appears to have a few more uncertainties heading into the game; Patric or Casale could start alongside Alessio Romagnoli, Marcos Antonio could receive his first start in place of Danilo Cataldi and Luis Alberto could also return to the starting lineup over Toma Basic.
Torino (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Djidji, Buongiorno, Rodriguez; Singo, Ricci, Lukic, Aina; Vlasic, Radonjic; Sanabria.
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Patric, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.
