Prediction: Juventus vs Lazio

Verdict: Juventus to win in 90 mins

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365

Even if they are still in the race for three major trophies, the Coppa Italia final against Lazio will give Juventus a chance to secure the first title of the current season. The Biancocelesti, on the other hand, have been quite successful in the competition since the turn of the century and they are after their sixth Coppa Italia trophy in 20 years.

Juventus

Juventus have been making steady progress ever since they returned to the elite division and the Bianconeri are now on the road to lift their sixth successive Serie A trophy. Max Allegri’s side missed the first opportunity to secure the league title as they were beaten by AS Roma, but it is important to note that the head coach had rested some of his key men with a view to fielding his strongest side against Lazio. Nobody doubts that Juventus will finish at the Serie A summit with games against Crotone and Bologna next, while they will also be vying the Biancocelesti and Real Madrid for Coppa Italia and Champions League trophies. This is exactly where the team were hoping to be before the season started and given the quality of the squad and wealth of experience, we wouldn’t bet against Juventus winning all three major trophies this term. The Bianconeri know how to play these games and they definitely have an advantage over Lazio, and we have reason to believe the Old Lady will emerge victorious from the Stadio Olimpico clash.

Team News

Max Allegri is sweating over the fitness of Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic, who suffered a trauma to his lower back, while Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini, Dani Alves and Sami Khedira will be recalled.

Lazio

Lazio, too, have been making progress in recent years after a very difficult period for the club, and they are doing pretty well this season. While the Biancocelesti couldn’t keep up with the likes of Juventus, AS Roma and Napoli, they look set for a top 4 finish and it is clear the team will be playing Europa League football next term. The Coppa Italia trophy wouldn’t make a difference as far as European qualification is concerned, but it would definitely serve as a major lift to everyone at the club and that is the reason why Simone Inzaghi rested almost all of his starters at the weekend. Lazio have been in fine form of late, bagging 16 goals in victories over Palermo, AS Roma and Sampdoria, and chances are red-hot Ciro Immobile and Balde Diao Keita will prove a handful for Juventus defence. However, with the Biancocelesti conceding no fewer than 17 goals in last 7 outings, their back line will have to show serious improvement if the team are to stand any chance of being crowned Coppa Italia winners.

Team News

Marco Parolo and Jordan Lukaku both face fitness tests, with talented youngster Alessandro Murgia ready to deputise if needed.

Key Factors to Consider

• Juventus won last six meetings with Lazio
• The Biancocelesti failed to score a single goal in those matches
• Lazio conceded 17 goals in last 7 matches on all fronts
• Juventus hope to win a treble of titles
• Lazio won 5 Coppa Italia trophies since 1997

Conclusion

Even though the game will be played at Stadio Olimpico, Juventus are rightly considered favourites as they’ve got a lot more experience at the biggest stage and have also won last six meetings with Lazio. While the Biancocelesti are a real danger up front, they have been leaking way too many goals and we don’t think they can match the Old Lady on Wednesday evening.

Verdict: Juventus to win in 90 mins

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365