Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Already officially recapturing their Serie A crown, Inter Milan will travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening when they meet historic foes Lazio.
Lazio
Starting with the hosts, already accepting that they won’t be able to book any kind of European adventure for next season, Lazio have come under a serious amount of scrutiny this year. However, despite continued speculation over Maurizio Sarri’s position in the Stadio Olimpico dugout, the Eagles have found an essential boost on either side of March’s international break. Booking their spot in the final of this season’s Coppa Italia after edging past Atalanta on April 22nd, the one-time Chelsea boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 1st. However, it should be noted, Lazio have registered consecutive victories at the Stadio Olimpico on just a single occasion since the start of December.
Lazio Team News
Suffering another injury setback last month and missing out against Cremonese with a reported groin issue, Lazio are once again expected to be without Italian midfielder Danilo Cataldi here. However, serving a one-match domestic suspension last time out, Matteo Cancellieri will return to Sarri’s squad.
Recently returning after a stint on the sidelines with a broken collarbone, academy graduate Nicolo Rovella could make a first start since the end of February. Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic late winner last week, Dutch international Tijjani Noslin could be handed a full recall.
Inter Milan
As for the visitors, officially recapturing their Serie A crown last week, Inter Milan have reestablished themselves at Italy’s ultimate poster boy. Embarking on what has been another domestic romp this season, Cristian Chivu’s side got their hands on a record-breaking 21st Serie A title at a canter. Last seen putting in another routine display as they clinched a 2-0 victory at home against Parma, the Nerazzurri will simply be looking to make another statement against their historic rivals. Set to meet Lazio in the final of this season’s Coppa Italia this month after securing a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win against Como, Inter Milan have remarkably suffered just a sole domestic defeat so far this calendar year. Landing a 2-0 win when they welcomed the Eagles to town for their reverse Serie A showdown back on November 9th, Chivu’s newly-crowned champions will be confident of laying down another public marker.
Inter Milan Team News
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rome, Inter Milan have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Making a cameo appearance off the bench during last weekend’s 2-0 victory against Parma, talismanic skipper Lautaro Martinez could make a first domestic start since April 5th.
Set to officially join Inter Milan on a permanent basis this summer following a dominant initial loan switch from Manchester City, Manuel Akanji will start at the heart of Chivu’s defence. Remarkably bagging seven goals in as many appearances for club and country, French international Marcus Thuram will spearhead Milan’s attack.
Lazio vs Inter Milan Key Factors to Consider
- When Lazio and Inter Milan last met for their reverse Serie A showdown back on November 9th, the newly-crowned champions secured a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
- Officially retaining their domestic crown at a canter last week, Saturday’s guests have suffered just a sole domestic defeat so far this calendar year.
- French international Marcus Thuram has registered seven goals in as many appearances for club and country.
- Lazio have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 1st.
- However, the Eagles have registered consecutive victories at the Stadio Olimpico on just a single occasion since the start of December.
Conclusion
Recapturing their Serie A crown last week, Inter Milan will travel to Rome with a real party atmosphere in their camp. In what is a rehearsal of this year’s Coppa Italia final, we are treated to a blockbuster Italian battle here. While Lazio might have enjoyed a real upturn in fortunes on either side of March’s international break, Saturday’s hosts will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge at the Stadio Olimpico. Registering consecutive victories on home soil on just a single occasion since the start of December, Inter will be looking to make another high-profile statement this weekend.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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