Lazio welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday as Serie A action resumes following the midweek European fixtures. The hosts will be aiming to build on their perfect start in the Europa League and get back to winning ways domestically after last week’s defeat to Juventus.
Marco Baroni’s Lazio side have been in superb form of late, aside from the 1-0 loss to Juventus last weekend. They’ve won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including three straight victories in the Europa League. Most recently, they dispatched FC Twente 2-0 away from home on Thursday night to maintain their 100% record in Group E.
In Serie A, Lazio had strung together three consecutive wins prior to the Juventus defeat. They currently sit 7th in the table but are just three points off the top four. At home, the Biancocelesti are a formidable force, unbeaten in their last nine league matches at the Olimpico, winning seven.
Despite their strong overall form, Lazio have struggled to keep clean sheets this season. They’ve conceded in each of their last 10 Serie A fixtures, marking their longest such run since 2010. In fact, they’ve failed to keep a single clean sheet in their first eight league games for just the second time in 60 years.
Manager Marco Baroni will be eager for his side to tighten up at the back, starting with Sunday’s clash against Genoa. A shutout would go a long way towards securing three points and continuing their push up the table.
In stark contrast to their opponents, Genoa find themselves in a worrying run of form. Alberto Gilardino’s side are without a win in any competition since August, a run stretching back over two months. They currently sit 18th in Serie A, inside the relegation zone.
The Grifone showed some fighting spirit last weekend to snatch a 2-2 draw against Bologna, coming back from two goals down in the final 20 minutes. However, that result followed three straight league defeats and a painful Coppa Italia exit to city rivals Sampdoria.
Genoa’s defensive record is particularly concerning. They’ve conceded at least 17 goals after eight Serie A matches for just the third time this century. Away from home, they’ve lost three of their last four league games.
Team News
Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is expected to return after missing the midweek Europa League match with a minor foot injury. Tijjani Noslin is also available again after serving a UEFA suspension.
However, center-back Alessio Romagnoli is suspended following his red card against Juventus last weekend. This leaves Patric, Samuel Gigot and Mario Gila competing for the two central defensive spots.
In attack, Taty Castellanos is set to lead the line, with Boulaye Dia potentially operating in a slightly deeper role behind him.
The visitors continue to struggle with a lengthy injury list. First-choice goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is the latest casualty, joining Junior Messias, Mattia Bani, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Vitinha on the sidelines.
Defender Koni De Winter and midfielder Milan Badelj are also doubtful with muscular issues.
This leaves even more responsibility on the shoulders of striker Andrea Pinamonti, Genoa’s top scorer with three league goals this season. However, he’s yet to find the net in six previous Serie A appearances against Lazio.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Genoa: Leali; Matturro, Vogliacco, Vasquez; Sabelli, Thorsby, Frendrup, Melegoni, Martin; Miretti; Pinamonti
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting form of the two sides, Lazio will be strong favorites to secure all three points on Sunday. Their attacking prowess should prove too much for a Genoa defense that has struggled badly this season.
The hosts have been vulnerable at the back themselves, but Genoa’s injury-hit squad may struggle to take advantage. Lazio’s home record is impressive and they should have enough quality to overcome the visitors.
Lazio’s firepower and Genoa’s defensive frailties point towards a comfortable home win. The Biancocelesti should be able to keep a rare clean sheet against an opponent low on confidence and missing key players.
Prediction: Lazio 2-0 Genoa
