Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Lazio double chance

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what looks set to be a fiery Coppa Italia showdown on Wednesday evening, bitter local rivals Lazio and Roma will meet at their shared home of the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio

Starting with the hosts, while Lazio might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a real struggle, the Eagles do appear to have claimed a recent boost. Opening the New Year with a 2-1 victory away at Udinese, Maurizio Sarri’s men have won all other previous three Serie A appearances. Signing off 2023 with a 3-1 romp against Frosinone, the one-time Chelsea boss has seen his side skyrocket up the table. Springing a real Champions League upset last month as they secured a knockout stage ticket, Lazio will also be excited by their continued success at the Stadio Olimpico. In fact, Sarri’s side have suffered just a single defeat in Rome from any of their last 12 straight showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to August 27th. Finding a recent clinical edge in the final third, the Biancocelesti will be desperate to get one over on their historic rivals here.

Team News

Once again missing out against Udinese over the weekend, Lazio are expected to be without the services of attacking talisman Ciro Immobile on Wednesday evening. Likewise, one-time Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto is still suffering with a recent muscle injury and will not feature here.

Coming off the bench and bagging the winner against Udinese one Sunday afternoon, former Inter Milan star Matias Vecino could make a first domestic start since the end of September in midweek.

Roma

As for the visitors, although Roma might have extended on their Coppa Italia adventure last week as they mounted a dramatic comeback against Cremonese, Jose Mourinho’s side have continued to struggle with their consistency. Although the Giallorossi might have snatched a 1-1 stalemate against Atalanta on Sunday night, the former Manchester United boss has seen his squad win just one of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Facing what appears to be a real uphill battle in their bid to punch another top-six finish, Roma have also failed to pick up back-to-back victories since the end of October. With reported scrutiny over Mourinho’s long-term future at the Stadio Olimpico, the Wolves will be worried by a downbeat record against their bitter local rivals. In fact, Roma have registered just a single win from any of their last five meetings – a run that stems back to May 2021.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Roma will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, Marash Kumbulla and former Lyon ace Houssem Aouar. PSG loanee Renato Sanches faces a late fitness test due to an ongoing ankle knock.

Finding the net in back-to-back domestic appearances since opening up 2024, Argentina international Paulo Dybala will once again partner Romelu Lukaku in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Lazio and Roma last met back on November 12th, Wednesday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate.
• However, the Eagles have lost just one of their previous five showdowns against Roma – a run that stems back to May 2021.
• Roma have managed to muster just a single win from any of their last four appearances across all competitions.
• Lazio have won all of their previous three domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2.
• Roma have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last 10 straight appearances.

Conclusion

While Italy’s two iconic rivals might have a habit of producing cagey affairs when they meet, Lazio will be looking to extend on their recent success against their historic enemies. Losing just one of their last five meetings, an inconsistent Roma could face another stern examination here. With the Eagles winning all of their previous three domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2, Sarri’s side should be confident of making a Coppa Italia statement in midweek. Although the bookmakers might feel that Wednesday’s showdown is too close to call, we are backing a Lazio double chance.

Verdict: Lazio double chance

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Luckster