Prediction: Inter Milan vs Lazio

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Inter Milan and Lazio have been two of the biggest surprises in the Serie A this season. Both sides were expected to battle for a UEFA Europa League spot, but instead both find themselves right in the thick of the title race. In fact, Inter led the league for several weeks, and is a bonafide title challenger at the moment. Both teams will meet this Saturday at 17:00 BST at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Inter Milan

Few expected the kind of season Inter Milan is having at the moment, as the Neroazzurri have been one of the biggest surprises in Europe during the current term. Led by the inspiring presence of Mauro Icardi (17 goals) upfront and thanks to a solid defensive line (14 goals allowed in 18 matches), Inter sit third in the standings with 40 points after 18 matches. However, recent results have not been kind for them. They are riding a three-game winless run at the Serie A level, and are coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Sassuolo that represented their second consecutive defeat. One would think that this game against Lazio will not make much of a difference for them since they would remain in third place with any possible result, but that is not the case here. Inter need the three points to put additional pressure on both Napoli and Juventus. And they will try to leave the three points at home, where they currently have a W7 D1 L1 mark during the current campaign.

Team News

Inter Milan will be quite weakened on the defensive side of the ball, as two regular starters such as Danilo D’Ambrosio (knee) and Miranda (calf) have been ruled out.

Zinho Vanheusden will be out as well, although the Belgian’s absence will be a long-term one since he has not played since September 24 when he was on the bench against Genoa.

Lazio

Inter Milan might carry the title as the most surprising team in the Serie A this season, but Lazio should not be too far behind on that race. Simone Inzaghi’s men have been playing very well all season long and are decidedly in the title race, even if they sit nine points behind league-leaders Napoli with one game in hand. Lazio’s biggest strength this season has been their attacking line, as they rank second in the Serie A in goals scored with 43 in just 17 matches. And as it has been the case since his arrival, Ciro Immobile once again has been playing at a very high level. The former Torino and Borussia Dortmund striker has 17 goals thus far, and he will be key to penetrate a stout Inter defence that has allowed just 14 goals in the entire league campaign. Knowing a win could push Lazio up to the fourth place in the standings, expect them to attack at Inter right from the start. Especially considering their positive away record of seven wins, one draw and just one loss thus far.

Team News

Davide Di Gennaro has been ruled out for this game due to an undisclosed injury that has kept him out for almost two months already.

Federico Marchetti (coach decision) and Mauricio (undisclosed) are not likely to play, either. But their availability will be decided closer to kick-off time.

Key Factors to Consider

• This game will feature the two top scorers in the Serie A during the current season. Mauro Icardi (17 goals) for Inter, and Ciro Immobile (16 goals) for Lazio.
• Inter Milan have a very positive record at home this season. They register W7 D1 L1 in nine matches at Giuseppe Meazza during the current term.
• Lazio have been stellar on the road, however, posting the same W7 D1 L1 line away from Stadio Olimpico. They are the second-best road team in the campaign, only behind Napoli’s undefeated run.
• Lazio have one of the best attacking units in the Serie A, as they rank second in goals scored with 43 in just 17 games. Meanwhile, Inter have the second-best defence with just 14 goals conceded in 18 matches. It is worth noting that four of those goals have come in the past two matches.
• Four of their last five matches between these two teams have seen over 2,5 goals. Three of those game have seen both teams scoring at least once.
• The recent head-to-head record indicates a slight edge for Lazio. They register three wins, as opposed to Inter’s two, during the last five meetings between both clubs.

Conclusion

There is no question this is going to be an extremely intense game. These are two of the best teams in the Serie A. And both could use the win to move closer to the top of the standings. Especially considering how tight the standings are near the top.

As such, neither team is going to sit back and play negative. And I believe we will see both teams scoring in this one.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport