Prediction: Lazio vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who will be desperate to lay down an early Group E marker on Tuesday night, Lazio will welcome Atletico Madrid to the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio

Starting with the hosts, while Lazio might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they claimed a silver medal finish among Italy’s elite, the Eagles have drastically failed to find a similar level this time around. Although Maurizio Sarri’s side might have entered September’s international break with a stellar 2-1 victory away at reigning Serie A champions Napoli, the former Chelsea boss saw his inconsistent squad put in another downbeat display over the weekend. Making an immediate return to losing ways as they eventually slumped a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Juventus, Lazio have now lost three of their opening four domestic appearances. Getting the 2023/24 campaign with a pair of shock defeats against Lecce and Genoa, Sarri’s men have also gained a reputation for their extended defensive issues. It is worth highlighting, Tuesday’s hosts have mustered just a pair of clean sheets from their previous nine Serie A showdowns.

Team News

With former Barcelona star Pedro overcoming a mild muscle injury during the international break, Lazio are reporting a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday’s Group E opener. However, the 36-year-old will have to settle for a spot on Sarri’s bench here.

While attacking talisman Ciro Immobile might have notched just a single Serie A strike so far this season, the 33-year-old will spearhead the Eagles’ charge in midweek. One-time West Ham forward Felipe Anderson should also keep his spot in the final third.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, while Atletico Madrid might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a real flurry, Diego Simeone’s men certainly came crashing back down to earth over the weekend. Missing out on what they had billed as a real opportunity to lay down another domestic marker, the former Spanish champions were eventually hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Valencia. Seeking an immediate boost when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night, Atletico are also still trying to find some crucial stability on the road. Despite laying down a major marker prior to September’s international break as they breezed their way to a 7-0 romp against Rayo Vallecano, that is the only win that Simeone’s men have mustered from their previous six La Liga showdowns outside of the capital – a run that stems back to April 30th.

Team News

Missing out over the weekend after sustaining a muscle injury, Atletico Madrid will once again be unable to call upon Dutch international Memphis Depay on Tuesday night. Likewise, Simeone’s men are also sweating over the fitness of Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul.

However, returning to Atletico’s matchday squad and making a second-half cameo appearance against Valencia a few days ago, 28-year-old Jose Maria Gimenez could make a first start of the season here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on European duties back in February 2012, Atletico Madrid picked up a 4-1 aggregate victory in the Europa League Round of 16 stage.
• Including a 3-1 loss away at Juventus over the weekend, Lazio have lost three of their opening four Serie A appearances so far this season.
• Continuing on from last season, Atletico have recorded just a single La Liga victory from their previous six showdowns outside of the capital.
• During their Champions League group stage nightmare last season, Simeone’s men have lost each of their previous four European showdowns on foreign soil
• The Eagles have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous six competitive showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.

Conclusion

Two sides who are coming off the back of their own thumping domestic defeats over the weekend, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair on Tuesday night. With Atletico Madrid managing to muster just a single victory from any of their last six Serie A showdowns on the road, Simeone’s men also gained a reputation for their glaring Champions League issues on foreign soil last season. However, despite losing each of their previous four European contests outside of the Spanish capital, they will meet a Lazio side that are enduring a public Serie A struggle. In what could prove to be a lively battle at the Stadio Olimpico, we are backing both teams to find the net here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet