Lazio return to Europe with a tough clash against Romanian outfit CFR Cluj in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-offs.
Kick-Off Time, Location & How to Watch
The match between Lazio and Cluj kicks off at 21.00 local time on Thursday 16th February at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
To find out how to watch Lazio vs Cluj in your respective country, check out this verified list of international TV listings.
Lazio vs CFR Cluj: Recent History
2023 exemplifies Lazio’s issues with inconsistency under Maurizio Sarri. The team have picked up strong wins over Sassuolo and Milan, but fallen to Atalanta 3-0 and Lecce 2-1, and only managed a draw with relegation candidates Hellas Verona.
The Biancocelesti need to return to winning ways fast if they want to stay involved in the race for a top four finish, something the club’s management believe is a realistic goal for the season. Sarri’s side were knocked down to the Conference League after finishing third in a group containing Feyenoord, FC Midtjylland and Sturm Graz.
Cluj currently sit second in the Romanian league, two points behind leaders Farul, and they progressed to the play-off round after finishing second in a Conference League group containing Sivasspor, Slavia Praha and Ballkani.
The Romanian outfit have lost their last two outings in the league, falling to Universitatea Craiova 2-0 and FCSB 1-0, so they’ll be hungry to pull off the upset.
Lazio vs CFR Cluj: Team News
Lazio have to do without the injured Alessio Romagnoli and Stefan Radu for the first leg of their play-off clash with Cluj. Luka Romero is also unavailable after picking up a red card in the 1-0 loss to Feyenoord in the last group game back in November.
Cluj seemingly have a fully fit squad available, giving coach Dan Petrescu a variety of options across the pitch as he looks to guide his team to the upset in Rome.
Expected Starting Lineups
Sarri is expected to rotate his Lazio squad a little for the match, slotting in players like Marcos Antonio, Toma Basic and Patric into the starting lineup. Stars like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto could come off the bench in the second half if needed.
Cluj will likely field a similar team to the one that started in the 2-0 loss to Universitatea Craiova, although Lovro Cvek and Claudiu Petrila could come in for Ciprian Deac and Emmanuel Yeboah.
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Patric, Casale, Hysaj; Vecino, Marcos Antonio, Basic; Pedro, Immobile, Zaccagni.
CFR Cluj (4-3-3): Scuffet; Manea, Matias, Burca, Camora; Boateng, Muhar, Cvek; Petrila, Janga, Krasniqi.
