Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
An authentic clash of giants will happen this Monday in the Italian Serie A, as Lazio and Inter Milan will lock horns in what’s going to be a thrilling encounter in Italy’s top flight. Both sides sit in the Top 4 of the standings, but the Rome-based side (18 pts) could overtake Inter’s third place (19 pts) if they get a win here. Undoubtedly, this is going to be a cracking match between two sides that already battled for a Champions League berth last season.
Lazio
Lazio began their 2018/19 Serie A season with two consecutive defeats – against Juventus and Napoli – but they have bounced back admirably. After those two losses, they have recorded six wins and only one defeat, while also registering two wins and one draw in the UEFA Europa League group stage. It is worth noting that with these results, Lazio sit in fourth place in the standings with 18 points (W6, L3) and they could overtake Inter Milan in third place (19 pts). At home, the Rome-based outfit have won their last four games in all competitions and their past three Serie A outings, against Frosinone, Genoa and Fiorentina. Playing against Inter Milan is an entirely different animal, though, and that might not bode well for Lazio. Their three losses this season have been against top sides such as Juventus, Napoli and Roma. Can they break that trend against Inter?
Team News
Lazio shouldn’t have many absences ahead of this game. The only confirmed absent will be Riza Durmisi, who’s dealing with an elbow problem.
Lucas Leiva is doubtful due to a thigh problem. His inclusion will be decided closer to kick-off time.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan have been one of the best teams in the Serie A of late, and in fact they top the five-game form table since they have won their last five Serie A matches. Even though they suffered a 2-0 away loss at FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League this past Wednesday, the team has been utterly dominant in the league during the current term. Luciano Spalletti’s men left their early-season woes behind, and now they seem ready to make a push towards a potential Top 2 finish, although they might find it harder to go toe-to-toe with two other heavyweights such as Napoli and Juventus. A win could move Inter to second place with 22 points, and they currently sit in third place with 19 points and a record of six wins, one draw and two losses. Can they pull the upset and take home the three points in a tough venue such as Stadio Olimpico?
Team News
Inter Milan are almost at full strength heading into this game.
In fact, their lone absentee will be Radja Nainggolan. The Belgian midfielder has been ruled out due to the same ankle problem that held him out of the Barcelona match earlier this week.
Key Factors to Consider
- These two sides have not equalised in their previous 10 Serie A meetings. Over that span, each side has won five teams.
- 15 of Lazio’s 22 match goals (68%) and 13 of Inter’s 18 match goals (72%) this season have come after the break.
- Both sides have scored first in seven of their respective nine SA matches (78%) this season.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten H2H matches.
- Both sides played in Europe during this week. Could fatigue become an issue here as the game progresses?
Conclusion
Both Lazio and Inter have star-studded attacking lines. And the fact both sides need the three points should make this a very open encounter.
As such, I believe this game will have over 2.5 goals scored here.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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