Prediction: Inter Milan vs Lazio

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to find a route back into the top-four this weekend, Inter Milan will welcome Lazio to the San Siro on Sunday lunchtime.

Inter Milan

Starting with the hosts, managing to claim a Coppa Italia first-leg advantage against Juventus earlier in the week, Inter Milan will be looking to build on that momentum here. Eventually picking up a 1-0 victory at the San Siro, Simone Inzaghi’s side have managed to find a welcomed boost since returning from March’s international break. While the Nerazzurri might have slumped to a shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Monza on April 15th, that is the only defeat that Inter have suffered from their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Last seen in Serie A action storming their way to a routine 3-0 romp away at Empoli, Inzaghi’s men also punched their Champions League semi-final ticket thanks to an action-packed 5-3 aggregate victory against Benfica. However, opening this weekend’s top-flight fixtures sat two points adrift of breaking back into the top-four, fans around the San Siro will know that their side faces a crucial showdown on Sunday lunchtime.

Team News

Still dealing with a back injury and yet to make an appearance since returning from March’s international break, Milan Skriniar will once again miss out here. Likewise, likely to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery, defender Dalbert still faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Bagging the winner against Juventus earlier in the week while on Coppa Italia duties, 25-year-old Federico Dimarco will be hoping to keep his spot on Sunday lunchtime. Recording 11 goals in his last 17 appearances for club and country, Romelu Lukaku should spearhead Inzaghi’s attack.

Lazio

As for the visitors, watching their stellar purple patch come to an abrupt end last week, Lazio will be desperate to claim an immediate boost here. Eventually getting hit with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Torino, Maurizio Sarri’s side will know that they missed out on a golden chance at the Stadio Olimpico. However, while the Eagles must have been left heartbroken on March 16th as they suffered a 4-2 aggregate defeat against AZ Alkmaar while on Europa League duties, the one-time Chelsea boss still sits in pole position to book a top-four return. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat second in the standings and still winning four of their last five domestic appearances, Lazio should also be excited by their eye-catching last meeting against Sunday’s hosts. In fact, it should be highlighted, when Sarri’s side welcomed Inter Milan to the Stadio Olimpico on August 26th, the Biancocelesti claimed a 3-1 romp.

Team News

Having to settle for a spot in last week’s 1-0 loss at home against Torino, attacking talisman Ciro Immobile is set to make a full return on Sunday lunchtime. The Italian international could come in and replace ex-Barcelona superstar Pedro in Sarri’s attack.

In what could be a welcomed boost for the Eagles this weekend, 28-year-old Danilo Cataldi is available to make his return after serving a one-match suspension last weekend. Sarri has confirmed that Lazio have no fresh injury issues ahead of their trip to the San Siro.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Serie A meeting on August 26th, Lazio claimed a 3-1 romp at the Stadio Olimpico.
• However, Inter Milan have not suffered a single Serie A defeat at the San Siro since back in December 2015.
• Each of the last seven straight meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, nine of the last 11 meetings between Inter Milan and Lazio have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.
• Ciro Immobile has scored three goals in his last five meetings against the Nerazzurri.

Conclusion

While Inter Milan might still face a real uphill battle in their bid to claim another top-four finish this season, Sunday’s hosts have managed to claim a crucial boost since returning from March’s international break. However, while Lazio might have watched their four-match winning run come to an abrupt end last week, Sarri’s side are still leading the chase to secure a famous silver medal finish. Likewise, storming their way to a 3-1 romp when they welcomed Milan to the Stadio Olimpico on August 26th, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair here. It should be noted, with Sunday’s opponents seeing nine of their last 11 meetings finish with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Unibet