Prediction: Lazio vs AS Roma

Verdict: AS Roma Draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill

Serie A arch rivals Lazio and AS Roma will be vying for a place in the Coppa Italia final, and both teams head into the first leg in good spirits. While the Biancocelesti are back in the top 3 chase, the Giallorossi seem determined to push leaders Juventus all the way.

Lazio

Lazio have signed quite a few quality footballers over the last couple of years, but Ciro Immobile is proving to be their best signing yet. If it hadn’t been for the former Torino star, the Biancocelesti would be nowhere near the Champions League positions, and this way they stand an actual chance of securing a top 3 finish. It wouldn’t be fair to give the Italy international the sole credit for a promising league campaign as other players have chipped in as well, but the problem is that key men Lucas Biglia and Balde Diao Keita could both leave in the summer. But, before they begin to deal with possible departures, Lazio need to focus on the two domestic competitions and ensure they do not miss a good opportunity. The Biancocelesti take on bitter rivals AS Roma following back to back triumphs over Empoli and Udinese, and they’ve got four wins in last four matches. However, the Giallorossi have done even better of late, meaning that Simone Inzaghi’s charges will have to be at their very best if they want to create an advantage ahead of the return leg.

Team News

Talented forward Mamadou Tounkara has been banned from attending sporting events for a year after punching a fan, but he is, nonetheless, available for selection.

Important midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will return to the side after recovering from an adductor problem, while Lucas Biglia is back from suspension.

AS Roma

It is fair to say that Luciano Spalletti has transformed this AS Roma side who are playing their best football in years. Many believed that the departure of playmaker Miralem Pjanic would be very difficult to compensate, but the Giallorossi have found a way and they have been absolutely outstanding this season. While they have all but secured Champions League qualification, AS Roma still trail champions Juventus seven points, but a four-match winning run is enough to suggest they are on the right track. The weekend’s 3-1 away win over in-form Inter Milan served as another proof that the Giallorossi are becoming a top top side, and it was two long-range goals from the impressive Radja Nainggolan that made all the difference. With Edin Dzeko, Diego Perotti and Mohamed Salah also bagging goals for fun, Lazio defenders have every reason to fear the Wednesday’s Coppa Italia tie. AS Roma have now won 11 of last 13 games in all competitions, and one of those came in the second leg of the Europa League clash with Villarreal after the 4-0 triumph in the first match.

Team News

Kostas Manolas recovered from a slight muscle problem, while Emerson should return after he was rested at the weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma won 11 of last 13 matches on all fronts (L2)
• The Giallorossi won last four meetings with Lazio (10:2 goal difference)
• Lazio won their last Coppa Italia encounter some four years ago
• The Biancocelesti scored mere two goals in last three home games
• AS Roma won last three away fixtures, bagging 9 goals

Conclusion

As much as Lazio have done well this season, they haven’t been nearly as impressive as AS Roma, and we fully expect the Giallorossi to extend their excellent run of results and make it five straight wins in meetings with their local rivals.

Verdict: AS Roma Draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: William Hill