Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Bet365
Having already lost to Lazio once before this season, Serie A champions Juventus can’t afford themselves another slip against exciting Inzaghi’s side. The Italian Super Cup defeat cost Bianconeri a trophy whereas another failure could cost them vital points in Scudetto chase.
Juventus
The international break came as just the perfect time for the Italian champions Juventus. Bianconeri have ruined their perfect start to the season with a 2-2 stalemate at Atalanta and now trail the Serie A leaders Napoli by two points. Bernardeschi and Higuain gave Juventus a two-goal cushion in the opening exchanges of the match but Atalanta responded around the half-hour mark when Caldara presented his team with an important lifeline. The hosts’ efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Cristante leveled the score, whereas the visiting champions will be kicking themselves for missing the best chance to score a winning goal with five minutes left on the clock. Paulo Dybala will be kicking himself for failing to convert a penalty, which ended up being a crucial moment of the game. What Max Allegri’s men need right now is a strong response and a swift return to winning ways, but the schedule could not have presented them with a worse challenge at this moment. Bianconeri’s job will be made even harder knowing that home side will be without several key players.
Team News
Mattia De Sciglio is having an ankle problem whereas Benedikt Howedes is suffering from a thigh injury.
Andrea Barzagli is nurturing a muscle injury whereas Sami Khedira’s knee issue is likely to leave him out of the squad once again. Miralem Pjanic is another key player out of contention.
Lazio
Simone Inzaghi deserves great praise for all the good work he’s done with Lazio. Last season’s surprise pack of the Serie A, Lazio continued with strong performances in the new season as well, despite losing some key players such as Wesley Hoedt and Keita Balde Diao. The club from the capital did great in the market however, having boosted their ranks with the likes of Lucas Leiva, Felipe Caicedo and Nani among others. Their great work paid off as Lazio are coming off from a fine run which reached its peak with a 6-1 home win over Sassuolo. Biancocelesti did suffer a 4-1 blow at the hands of league leaders Napoli but have otherwise had a fairly successful campaign which currently sees them sit in fourth place in the standings, three points behind their Saturday’s rivals. Simone Inzaghi has turned his team into a frighteningly efficient side. With nine goals in last two games and Ciro Immobile in the best form of his life – seven goals in as many games this season – Lazio have to be taken quite seriously. Juventus are not Lazio’s favourite rivals, but the inspiring 3-2 Super Cup victory in August is an inspiration for the Rome-based club.
Team News
Felipe Anderson and Dusan Basta are the two confirmed absentees but Nani is back in contention.
Lukaku, Marchetti, Quissanga and Wallace are all major doubts for the forthcoming match which could leave Lazio with seriously limited options.
Key Factors to Consider
- Juventus won their last 5 home matches in all competitions
- Bianconeri kept a clean sheet in all of those games
- Lazio failed to win a league match in Turin since 2002
- Bianccocelesti scored 9 goals in last two Serie A matches
- Ciro Immobile scored 7 goals in as many matches
Conclusion
The game will be a big test for both sides who will be keen to make an impression after the international break. All eyes should be on Juventus target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the Serbian midfielder who’s made a big impact in Italy and could use a strong performance to solidify his growing reputation. Goals could be the best solution for this match.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Bet365
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