Prediction: Torino vs Lazio

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 191/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Torino remain unbeaten this year and has the opportunity to surpass Lazio in the Serie A standings with a victory at Stadio Olimpico Grande on Thursday evening.

While Toro aim to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games, their opponents from the Italian capital have encountered both successes and setbacks in recent weeks.

Torino

Torino find themselves in close proximity to Lazio in the standings, as one of the three Serie A sides, alongside Atalanta and league leaders Inter Milan, who remain undefeated in since the turn of the year.

In the six matches played thus far, Torino have secured three draws and three wins. Among these victories, their first triumph was an impressive 3-0 defeat of Napoli, followed by a recent 2-0 win over Lecce last Friday.

During the match against Lecce, second-half goals from Raoul Bellanova and the in-form striker Duvan Zapata ensured Torino secured maximum points. Notably, they have only suffered one league defeat at home all season, which came against the formidable Inter.

Under the guidance of head coach Ivan Juric, known for his team’s organizational prowess, Torino have already achieved 12 clean sheets this season—the second-best record in the Serie A. This defensive strength marks their best performance at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1992.

Although currently positioned in the middle of the table, Torino remain within striking distance of the top six. Another victory on Wednesday would propel them not only above Lazio, but also Napoli, and a struggling Fiorentina in the Serie A standings.

Team News

Juric will welcome back Adrien Tameze from suspension this week, bolstering his defensive options.

However, Torino still face absences at the back, with Alessandro Buongiorno sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Ricardo Rodriguez dealing with a muscular concern, and long-term absentee Perr Schuurs recovering from an ACL injury.

Lazio

Following a notable victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Lazio returned to Serie A action last weekend, hosting fellow top-four contenders Bologna at Stadio Olimpico.

Despite taking an early lead through Gustav Isaksen’s goal, Lazio couldn’t maintain their advantage, eventually falling to a defeat. This result leaves them seven points adrift of both Bologna and fourth-placed Atalanta BC.

After an impressive run of five league games without defeat, Lazio has now suffered two losses in their last three matches, both against fellow European challengers. This downturn in form has allowed several teams below them in the table to close the gap.

Torino and struggling champions Napoli are both within a point of Maurizio Sarri’s side ahead of Thursday’s fixture, which was postponed from January due to their involvement in the Supercoppa Italiana.

While Lazio didn’t perform well in their trip to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup, they have managed to win three of their last four away matches in Serie A, matching their total number of away successes in the previous nine matches.

Furthermore, the Biancocelesti remain unbeaten in their last four league visits to Torino and will aim to continue that streak before facing a busy schedule that includes matches against Fiorentina, AC Milan, and the second leg against Bayern in Munich.

Team News

Despite Patric’s early exit due to a groin injury against Bologna, Lazio will see the return of Alessio Romagnoli to their defensive lineup in midweek following his suspension.

Nicolo Casale stepped in for Patric on Sunday and remains a viable option, while Matias Vecino is available for selection in central midfield after serving his suspension.

However, Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Rovella are expected to miss the trip to Turin due to toe and groin injuries, respectively. Their availability for next week’s clash with Fiorentina is deemed more likely.

Conclusion

This should be an interesting tactical battle between Juric and Sarri, and it’s not unlikely that their respective approaches work just enough to stop each other from taking all the points.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 191/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet