Prediction: Lazio vs Juventus

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

Lazio are quite alive on the race for a UEFA Champions League berth next season, but they are not going to have an easy match. They will host an in-form Juventus side that is coming off a win in the Coppa Italia, and that remains alive on the title race against Napoli. It only takes a quick look at the Serie A standings to see this is a game where both teams have a lot to play for!

Lazio

Lazio have been one of the biggest surprises in the Serie A this season. They have managed to keep their Europa League dreams alive and already reached the Round of 16 in the competition, while also putting up a good fight in the Coppa Italia where they lost against AC Milan in the semifinals via penalties. As if that wasn’t enough, the team has managed to keep themselves alive in the Champions League race and currently sit in third place with 52 points, one ahead Inter Milan and two over their bitter rivals, AS Roma. Even though they are not likely to secure a UCL berth until the end of the season – if they do – this season has already been a massive success for the team since they have settled themselves as one of the top teams in the league. One of the reasons why they have done it their attacking power, as they lead the Serie A in goals scored with 64 in just 26 matches.

Team News

Lazio m have an important player in midfield, as Adam Marusic is suspended for this game following the red card he received in the last match.

Davide Di Gennaro and Federico Marchetti have been listed as doubtful. However, neither has a big chance of playing in this game.

Juventus

Juventus didn’t play last week since their game against Atalanta was postponed due to bad weather. However, that didn’t seem to bother them at all. The Old Lady still had midweek action – just like Lazio – in the Coppa Italia and secured a berth in the final match after winning 1-0 in the second leg, and 2-0 on the aggregate score against Atalanta. And as if that wasn’t enough, Juventus’ away form has been excellent. The team has won their last eight Serie A matches on the road, have conceded just one goal in the process, and have kept a clean sheet in their past five straight. There is no question they will need to maintain that form if they want to get something away from this one, since Lazio are one of the top attacking units in the league.

Team News

Juventus should not have too many injury concerns. However, there will be several absences on the right side of the pitch.

Mattia De Sciglio, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, and Federico Bernardeschi could all miss the game. Gonzalo Higuain has already been ruled out as well due to an ankle problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Juve are unbeaten in 12 league games (W11, D1) and have conceded just once during this period.
• Ciro Immobile has been on an absolute tear for Lazio of late, scoring six times in his last four Serie A appearances.
• Lazio, however, have struggled against Juve of late. In fact, they haven’t scored a goal in their last four home encounters against them.
• Lazio have been the top scoring team in the Serie A with 64 goals. Juventus ranks second with 62.
• The big difference between these two sides has been the defence. Lazio have conceded 33 times, while Juventus have allowed just 15 goals against them.

Conclusion

This is going to be a game between the top two scoring forces in the Serie A. Considering what’s at stake, I believe both teams will end up scoring.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: 888sport