Prediction: AS Roma vs Lazio

Verdict: Lazio not to lose

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365

AS Roma face a tough task in an attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg, but if they manage to keep a clean sheet on Tuesday evening, the Giallorossi will stand a decent chance of pulling off an upset. Lazio are on the verge of making it to the second Coppa Italia final in three years, and the Biancocelesti have got to be considered favourites to go through.

AS Roma

AS Roma are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years having undergone a real resurgence under Luciano Spalletti. The Giallorossi are no longer vying for Champions League positions, but rather attempting to mount a serious title challenge, and they might just be able to do so during the season finale. Namely, with Juventus slipping up at Stadio San Paolo, AS Roma are now just six points behind the holders with eight games to go. And seeing that they are also set to play host to the Bianconeri on 14th May, the Serie A title chase could go to the wire against all odds. However, following their fourth straight win in all competitions, it is time now to focus on the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg clash against local rivals Lazio, where the Giallorossi are 2-0 down after the first match. AS Roma won last three home games, scoring 7 goals in the process, but they are aware they are unlikely to go through unless they can also keep a clean sheet. That is not going to be an easy task considering that Luciano Spalletti’s side conceded in five of last six matches on home soil, although they did defeat Empoli without conceding last time out.

Team News

Kevin Strootman returns from a Serie A suspension, while Daniele De Rossi and Emerson should also be back to the side.

Lazio

Lazio have become genuine Coppa Italia experts, winning the 2013 title and making it to the final in 2015, and if they can do it again while defeating bitter rivals AS Roma, it will be all the more rewarding. The Biancocelesti are also eager to try and achieve a top 3 finish in Serie A, where they currently sit three points behind third-placed Napoli. Compared to last season when they finished in 9th place with mere 54 points, the team are doing much better and they have already surpassed said total by 6 points, with another 8 games to go. Head coach Simone Inzaghi is doing a really good job at Stadio Olimpico, although it is clear the team lack the strength in depth needed to match the sides like Juventus, Napoli and AS Roma. Nevertheless, Lazio are now on the verge of reaching the Coppa Italia final, as goals from Stefan Milinkovic-Savic and red-hot Ciro Immobile gave them a serious advantage ahead of the return leg. The Biancocelesti have won five of last seven away games in Coppa Italia, while also winning five of last six on the road in all competitions, so they are definitely in a good position to qualify.

Team News

Balde Keita, Dusan Basta and Bastos could all be recalled, but Federico Marchetti is out and Stefan de Vrij faces a fitness test.

Key Factors to Consider

• Lazio carry a 2-0 advantage into the second leg
• AS Roma had won four straight meetings with Lazio before the March encounter
• Their last three wins over Biancocelesti were achieved by 2+ goals
• Lazio won five of last six away matches
• AS Roma conceded in four of last five home games

Conclusion

AS Roma have been bagging goals for fun this season, but it is their shaky back line that is likely to prevent them from making it to the next stage. Lazio will be more than happy to sit back and hurt the opposition on the break and we expect them to finish the job at Stadio Olimpico.

Verdict: Lazio not to lose

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365