Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: bet365
Even though Lazio and Inter Milan have nothing to play for in the Serie A, both clubs have talented squads. And with nothing but pride at stake in this game, both clubs will met at Stadio Olimpico with the aim of finishing the season on a high note.
Lazio
Lazio have already clinched a berth in the UEFA Europa League next season, so they do not have a lot to risk in this match. However, there is no question the Roma-based side wants to win in their final home game of the campaign. After all, Lazio are coming off defeats against Fiorentina and Juventus, the latter in the Coppa Italia final. But they have been close to perfection at home of late, with four wins in their last five contests. To make things even better, they have one of the top scoring duos in the league. Ciro Immobile and Balde Keita have combined for 37 goals and six assists during the present campaign. A high-scoring attack and home field advantage are usually a recipe for success, and Lazio have both things on their side for this contest.
Team News
Lazio won’t have Stefan Radu, as the Romanian defender has been ruled out of this game due to a suspension. Federico Marchetti and Jordan Lukaku are out due to injury as well.
On the other hand, Marco Parolo, Stefan de Vrij, and Thomas Strakosha are doubtful. All three would be game-time decisions, but Strakosha and de Vrij are likely to start.
Inter Milan
If Lazio have been on good form at home of late, then Inter would have to be considered a massive disappointment. The Neroazzurri side are riding an eight-game winless streak, and have just two draws and six defeats over that span. And if their recent form wasn’t bad enough, they will have to play without their star striker since Mauro Icardi will miss the remainder of the campaign due to injury. Their poor form of late meant that once again Inter failed to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Inter have battled against poor form, injuries, and underchievement throughout the season, and that might not chance considering they only have two games left in the schedule and absolutely nothing to play for. They have not won in their past four away matches, too.
Team News
As mentioned above, Inter won’t have their best player in this game, since Mauro Icardi has been ruled out due to injury. Geoffrey Kondogbia (suspension) and Cristian Ansaldi (hernia) are out as well.
Joao Miranda is doubtful, and he would require a late-fitness test to determine his availability for this match.
Key Factors to Consider
- Lazio have one of the top scorers in the Serie A this season in Ciro Immobile, as the former Dortmund forward has 22 netted goals.
- Lazio do not have anything to play for in this game, because they have already clinch a berth in the UEFA Europa League for the upcoming season. Inter, on the other hand, does not have a chance to play in Europe next season so their motivation would not be very high.
- Both teams rank in the Top 10 when it comes to goals allowed, although Lazio have a slight edge on that department (45 to 46).
- Inter have lost their past four Serie A games, and are currently riding an eight-game winless streak with a 0W 2D 6L record over that span.
- The past five meetings between both clubs in Serie A play have seen two wins for each team, and one draw. Inter won 3-0 at home when both clubs met earlier this season.
Conclusion
Lazio have been the better side thus far this season. And Inter have looked awful in recent weeks. Recent form will be key here, and I believe Lazio will take advantage of playing in their venue to escape with the three points.
Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: bet365
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