Lazio will be looking for redemption in their second Serie A outing of 2023 when they host midtable hopefuls Empoli.
Kick-Off Time, Location & How to Watch
The match between Lazio and Empoli kicks off at 15.00 local time on Sunday 8th January at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
To find out how to watch Lazio vs Empoli in your respective country, check out this verified list of international TV listings.
Lazio vs Empoli: Recent History
Lazio had a good first half of the season prior to the World Cup break, looking strong domestically and only suffering a few slip-ups in the Europa League. The team did not look like themselves in their frustrating 2-1 away loss to Lecce on Wednesday, however, leaving Maurizio Sarri furious after the match.
A 10-man Empoli held Udinese to a 1-1 draw in their first game of 2023 and they’re keen to break into the top half of the table in the coming months, so they’ll be hopeful of a possible upset in the Italian capital this weekend.
Lazio picked up a 3-1 win away to Empoli last season but only managed a 3-3 draw at home, a result they’ll be hoping to improve upon on Sunday.
Lazio vs Empoli: Team News
The only concern for Sarri is defender Mario Gila, who is still in doubt due to a slight foot injury. Luis Alberto is expected to return to the match-day squad after his absence in the loss to Lecce and Manuel Lazzari is only one yellow card away from picking up a one-match suspension.
Empoli cannot count on the injured Mattia Destro, out with an ankle injury, and Biancocelesti loanee Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro has been ruled out of the match through suspension. Liam Henderson and Razvan Marin are also only one booking away from suspension.
Expected Starting Lineups
Sarri seems set to start Matias Vecino in the midfield and Felipe Anderson will likely have the edge over Pedro on the right wing. The rest of the squad is unchanged from the team that lost to Lecce.
Empoli are not expected to line-up any major surprises in the clash, with first team regulars like Francesco Caputo, Nicolas Haas and Fabiano Parisi all set to start.
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Vecino; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.
Empoli (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Luperto, Parisi; Haas, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Caputo, Satriano.
