Prediction: Lazio vs Roma

Verdict: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Unibet

In an Italian heavyweight showdown on Friday night, Lazio will face off against bitter rivals Roma at the Stadio Olimpico when this weekend’s fixtures open up.

Lazio

Starting with Lazio, while they might have shown a host of inconsistencies when heading into Italy’s festive break last month, the Eagles do appear to be enjoying a recent bounce. Simply hoping to find some Serie A stability and with another European finish at the top of their agenda, I Biancocelesti were last seen over the weekend when putting on a professional performance on the road. Eventually picking up what was a deserved 2-0 victory against a Parma side in freefall, Head Coach Simone Inzaghi has seen his side claim back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time since the start of November. Despite their Serie A issues since opening the 2020/21 campaign, Lazio did manage to book their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League. If they are to close their top-six deficit on Friday night, Inzaghi will be calling on leading marksman Ciro Immobile to spearhead their charge this week. While the Italian international might have failed to get himself on the scoresheet last time out against Parma, the 30-year-old has already bagged 16 goals in as many appearances across all formats.

Team News

Although long-term absentee Senad Lulic might be inching closer to a return, the 34-year-old is set to once again miss out on Friday night. It also appears that Mohamed Fares could miss out this week due to a calf problem.

With number one keeper Thomas Strakosha also missing out on Friday, former Liverpool shot-stopper Pepe Reina will come in between the sticks.

Roma

As for the temporary visitors, eventually claiming what was a dramatic late point at home against Inter Milan last weekend thanks to an action-packed 2-2 draw, Roma have largely impressed many across Italy this season. Managing to book their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Europa League, some even feel that I Giallorossi could be a real Serie A title dark horse this season. Really bouncing back from that thumping defeat away at Atalanta last month, Paulo Fonseca’s men have since collected 10 points from their last four top-flight contests. Opening Friday’s derby showdown sat as high as third in the table and with the mood in their camp likely to still be at a real high, the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss has seen his side also really catch the eye with their performances in the final third. While Roma might have managed to muster just a single clean sheet in their last eight matchups across all formats, they do hold the third-best attacking return in Serie A so far this season.

Team News

Although former Barcelona winger Pedro faces a late fitness test, the World Cup-winner will only have to settle for a place on the bench if he is given the green light to make a return.

With Antonio Mirante still not fit to feature on Friday night, deputy keeper Pau Lopez will once again start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off during the 2019/2020 campaign, Lazio and Roma played out back-to-back 1-1 draws.
• Six of the last eight meetings between the local rivals has finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, nine of the last 10 matchups across all formats that Lazio have hosted have also finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
• Roma have collected 10 points from their last four Serie A contests.
• Seven of I Giallorossi’s last eight matchups across all formats have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

On paper, we could have a lively meeting when two of Italy’s biggest rivals face off on Friday night. In a showdown between two sides who have enjoyed a real purple patch after returning from the festive break earlier in the month, chances could come thick and fast this weekend. With both Lazio and Roma securing their own European knockout showdowns, it should also be noted that I Giallorossi hold a reputation for their free-scoring fixtures. With Roma’s last five away fixtures seeing over 2.5 goals by the final whistle, don’t be surprised to see a similar outcome at the Stadio Olimpico.

Verdict: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Unibet