Verdict: Lazio over 1.5 cards
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In desperate need of a much-welcomed boost on Monday night, Lazio will welcome Sassuolo to the Stadio Olimoico.
Lazio
Starting with the hosts, while Maurizio Sarri might still remain in the Stadio Olimpico dugout, the former Chelsea boss has a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders. Getting March underway with a 2-0 loss away at Torino, the Eagles have come under some serious scrutiny. Failing to claim a Coppa Italia first-leg advantage earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Atalanta, Sarri’s side have claimed just a single win from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Sat in the bottom-half of the Serie A standings, Lazio have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues on home soil. In fact, Monday’s hosts have remarkably secured just a sole win from any of their last eight consecutive showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico – a rut that stems all the way back to December 4th.
Lazio Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any completion so far this season, French defender Samuel Gigot remains on the sidelines with a long-term ankle injury. Likewise, suffering another injury setback, midfield talisman Nicolo Rovella remains a major doubt on Monday night.
Coming off the bench and bagging a Coppa Italia strike against Atalanta in midweek, Senegal international Boulaye Dia could be handed a rare start here. Returning from a recent muscle issue, veteran attacker Pedro could make a first appearance since February 11th.
Sassuolo
As for the visitors, embarking on what has become a sensational purple patch, Sassuolo certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Rightfully receiving a string of public praise from across Italy’s elite, the Nerovedri have come skyrocketing up the Serie A standings. Suddenly scrapping it out in the top-half of the table, Fabio Grosso’s side are riding a major wave of momentum. Last seen opening March with a heavyweight scalp as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Champions League outfit Atalanta, Sassuolo have won all of their previous three Serie A showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-2. Likewise, breaking a string of long-standing records, Monday’s guests have also registered 15 points from their last six top-flight battles. It should also be highlighted, Grosso’s high-flying squad clinched a 1-0 win when they welcomed Lazio to Emilia-Romagna for their reverse Serie A battle on September 14th.
Sassuolo Team News
Shown a straight red card in the opening 16 minutes against Atalanta last week, former Inter Milan striker Andrea Pinamonti will miss out through suspension here. However, serving his own respective one-game ban last time out, Polish international Sebastian Walukiewicz will return to Sassuolo’s traveling squad.
The duo of Fali Cande and academy graduate Edoardo Pieragnolo remain on the sidelines with respective knee injuries. Former Manchester United and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic will start in the middle of the park on Monday night.
Lazio vs Sassuolo Key Factors to Consider
- When Lazio and Sassuolo met for their reverse Serie A showdown on September 14th, Monday’s hosts claimed a stellar 1-0 victory in Emilia-Romagna.
- Lazio have secured just a sole win from any of their last eight consecutive showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico – a rut that stems all the way back to December 4th.
- Sassuolo have won all of their previous three Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- Likewise, Monday’s guests have registered 15 points from their last six Serie A appearances.
- Four of Lazio’s last five matchups at the Stadio Olimpico have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Lazio might open Monday’s showdown at the Stadio Olimpico pencilled in as a standout contender, Sarri’s downbeat squad should be bracing themselves for a tricky test. Hit with a 1-0 loss when they travelled to Emilia-Romagna for their reverse Serie A battle on September 14th, they will meet a Sassuolo side who are in the midst of a sensational run. Skyrocketing up the table and remarkably winning five of their last six top-flight appearances, Monday’s guests will certainly cause some serious headaches.
Verdict: Lazio over 1.5 cards
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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