The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is set to host a pivotal Serie A encounter on Monday night as Lazio welcome reigning champions Inter Milan. Both sides are locked in a thrilling title race, with this match potentially having significant implications for the top of the table.
Marco Baroni’s Lazio side have been in scintillating form across multiple competitions. They’ve recently secured impressive victories over Napoli in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, while also extending their unbeaten run in the Europa League with a convincing 3-1 win away at Ajax. The Biancocelesti have been particularly formidable at the Stadio Olimpico, dropping just two points at home in Serie A this season.
A victory on Monday would see Lazio reach 34 points after 16 matches for only the second time this century, further solidifying their status as genuine title contenders. However, they face a stern test against an Inter side that has had their number in recent encounters.
Under the guidance of former Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan have been a force to be reckoned with this season. The Nerazzurri have lost just twice in 20 matches across all competitions since claiming their 20th Scudetto last term. Their attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with Inter scoring three or more goals in half of their 14 league fixtures thus far.
Inzaghi’s return to his former club adds an intriguing subplot to the match. The Inter boss is unbeaten in his last four encounters against Lazio, and he’ll be keen to maintain that impressive record.
Up front, Inter’s lethal partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will look to continue their prolific form. Thuram, in particular, has been a revelation, directly contributing to 20 Serie A goals in 2024.
Inter Milan hold a slight historical advantage in this fixture, with 26 wins to Lazio’s 25 in their 71 previous Serie A encounters. The Nerazzurri were unbeaten against Lazio last season, winning both the league meeting at the Stadio Olimpico and a Supercoppa clash before a 1-1 draw in May.
Team News
Both sides will have to contend with some notable absences. Lazio’s top scorer Taty Castellanos is suspended due to accumulated bookings, likely paving the way for Tijjani Noslin to lead the line. The hosts will be buoyed by the availability of key defenders Luca Pellegrini and Patric, who have overcome recent knocks.
Inter will be without former Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi due to a thigh injury, while Benjamin Pavard is also sidelined. Denzel Dumfries is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the midweek Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen due to illness.
Expected Starting XIs
Inter: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Noslin
Lazio: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Match Prediction
With both clubs in fine form, an absorbing contest should be in store at Stadio Olimpico. A 2-2 draw seems a likely outcome, reflecting the evenly matched nature of these two title contenders.
Prediction: Lazio 2-2 Inter
