As Serie A action resumes this weekend, Lazio welcomes Empoli to the Stadio Olimpico for an intriguing Sunday afternoon clash. Both teams enter the match level on 10 points, sitting just outside the top five in the league table.
Lazio comes into this fixture riding a wave of momentum, having won their last three matches across all competitions. Most recently, they dismantled Nice 4-1 in the Europa League, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Torino in Serie A last weekend. Manager Marco Baroni seems to have found the right formula after a somewhat inconsistent start to the domestic campaign.
Empoli, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in Serie A this season under new coach Roberto D’Aversa. They played out a goalless draw with Fiorentina last weekend, extending their impressive start. The Azzurri have been particularly strong defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last three league matches.
Lazio has dominated this fixture in recent years, especially at the Stadio Olimpico. Empoli has never won a top-flight match at this venue, losing 10 of their 14 previous attempts. The visitors’ last Serie A victory over Lazio came almost nine years ago.
For Lazio, Boulaye Dia has made an immediate impact since joining from Salernitana, scoring in both of his first two league games at the Stadio Olimpico. He could become just the third player in 30 years to score in each of his first three home appearances for Lazio.
Empoli will look to Lorenzo Colombo to lead their attack. The young striker has been preferred to Pietro Pellegri, who has a history of scoring against Lazio.
Lazio’s resurgent attack, which has both scored and conceded in all six of their Serie A matches, will test Empoli’s resolute defense. D’Aversa’s side has conceded the third-fewest shots on target in the league so far.
Baroni may need to manage his squad carefully given the quick turnaround from Thursday’s European fixture. Empoli, with a full week’s rest, could look to exploit any fatigue in the Lazio ranks.
Team News
Lazio is expected to have a full squad available, with Tijjani Noslin returning from suspension and Samuel Gigot recovered from injury. Baroni is likely to rotate some players who featured in the midweek Europa League match.
Empoli welcomes back Jacopo Fazzini and Youssef Maleh, but will be without long-term absentees Samuele Perisan, Szymon Zurkowski, and Tyronne Ebuehi. Saba Sazonov remains sidelined until next year.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
Match Prediction
While Empoli’s defensive record is impressive, Lazio’s home form and attacking momentum give them the edge. The hosts should have enough quality to break down Empoli’s resistance, but it may be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Lazio 1-0 Empoli
