The Daily Star Ireland
Lazio, currently ranked 5th in Serie A, is aiming for a spot in the Top 4 to secure a Champions League berth next season. The team has shown strong form, winning five consecutive matches against Genoa, Como, Cagliari, Monza, and Bologna. However, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to promoted Parma.
Since then, Lazio bounced back with two impressive victories over Napoli, first in the Italian Cup (3-1) and then in the league (1-0). Inter Milan, who easily won last season’s Scudetto, are once again favorites for the title. They currently sit 3rd in Serie A, three points behind the leader, with a game in hand. They remain unbeaten in their last 9 league matches, securing 7 wins and 2 draws. Although Inter lost their first Champions League match of the season against Bayer Leverkusen (1-0), they are in a good position to progress to the round of 16.
Lazio’s coach will have to cope without key players such as defender Romagnoli and midfielder Vecino, both injured, and the suspended striker Castellanos, who has 6 goals this season. Castellanos may be replaced by Noslin, who scored a hat-trick in the Italian Cup against Naples.
Lazio’s attack will rely on players like Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni, and the strong midfield duo of Rovella and Guendouzi. Inter, on the other hand, is missing key defensive players Pavard and Acerbi, as well as backup goalkeeper Di Gennaro. Dutch full-back Dumfries, who was ill recently, will be available for this match.
Inter’s captain trio of Dimarco, Barella, and Lautaro Martinez (5 goals and 2 assists) should return to the starting lineup. Lautaro forms a potent offensive partnership with Marcus Thuram (10 goals and 3 assists), as Inter boasts the second-best attack in Serie A.
Prediction
Lazio 1 – 1 Inter. Both teams have been involved in matches with fewer than 3.5 goals in recent games, suggesting a tight contest.
