This Saturday, Lazio and Juventus will lock horns in a direct showdown in the epic battle for the fourth Champions League spot.
Anticipated Clash
The two clubs are currently level on points alongside Roma, while Bologna are only one point behind the trio. Therefore, punters and bookmakers might be equally confused, as predicting the outcome of the Top Four race is an incredibly daunting task. At this stage, it might be wiser, safer and more rewarding to join a licensed UK casino site and try your luck at some of the most enticing casino games online.
Igor Tudor Returns to Haunt Lazio
Needless to say, this weekend’s crucial contest has great implications, especially with only two weeks separating us from the season finale. Moreover, this also marks Igor Tudor’s first match against Lazio since leaving the club at the end of the previous campaign.
Swift Reign in the Capital
The Croatian took over Maurizio Sarri when the latter resigned from his post at Formello in March 2024. While Tudor somewhat managed to steady the ship, he requested a major squad overhaul, as he felt that many players weren’t suited to his 3-4-2-1 system. However, Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani didn’t oblige, so the two parties decided to split paths.
Lazio Players Seeking Vengeance
This season, history repeated itself for Tudor who was also appointed as a caretaker coach, but this time at his old club Juventus, replacing Thiago Motta. So when the two teams clash heads at the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday, several Lazio players will have a point to prove to the manager who reportedly wanted them out.
Alessio Romagnoli
Perhaps Tudor didn’t necessarily want to sell the 30-year-old, but as Calciomercato recalls, the head coach felt that the former Milan captain wasn’t suited to his three-man backline, so he requested a replacement. Nevertheless, Romagnoli is currently enjoying one of the most impressive campaigns of his career.
Gustav Isaksen
Just when Isaksen was beginning to build some momentum under Sarri, the managerial change hit the Dane hard, as Tudor felt that the winger had no place in his 3-4-2-1 system. However, all Lazio fans are glad that the 23-year-old ended up staying at the club, as he has now established himself as a key player under Baroni.
Nicolo Rovella
Speaking of this season’s protagonists, Rovella has become an indispensable member of the starting lineup after cementing himself as one of the finest deep-lying playmakers in Serie A. But during Tudor’s reign, the more physical Matias Vecino would often get the nod.
Matteo Guendouzi
Finally, Guendouzi emerged as Tudor’s ultimate nemesis throughout his managerial career. The two men had a spat during their time at Olympique Marseille, and when the circumstances forced an awkward reunion in Rome, it didn’t take them too long to get on one another’s throats once more.
