Lazio will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing derby defeat as they host Como at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening. The Biancocelesti’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just seven points from their last six Serie A matches, while Como have shown signs of improvement in their battle against relegation.
Lazio’s title aspirations took a significant hit after their 2-0 loss to Roma in the Derby della Capitale. The defeat saw them slip further behind in the Scudetto race, now finding themselves embroiled in a tight battle for Champions League qualification. With several teams breathing down their necks, including Juventus, Fiorentina, Bologna, and AC Milan, a win against Como has become crucial for Marco Baroni’s side.
Como, on the other hand, have been gradually finding their feet in Serie A. The newly-promoted side has lost only one of their last five matches, a run that has seen them climb to 16th in the table. Their recent 2-0 victory over Lecce, courtesy of goals from Nico Paz and Patrick Cutrone, has boosted their confidence ahead of this challenging fixture.
History favors Lazio in this matchup, with the Roman side winning six of their eight previous top-flight encounters against Como at the Stadio Olimpico. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Lazio dominate Como in a 5-1 thrashing, a result that the Lombardy side will be eager to avenge.
The midfield battle could prove decisive, with Lazio’s Nicolo Rovella and Matteo Guendouzi tasked with controlling the tempo against Como’s energetic midfield. Their ability to dictate play and provide service to the forwards could be the key to unlocking Como’s defence.
Team News
Lazio face several selection challenges for this match. Star striker Taty Castellanos is suspended following his red card in the Rome derby, while Mario Gila and captain Mattia Zaccagni are also banned due to accumulated yellow cards. Injuries to Patric and Matias Vecino further deplete Baroni’s options.
Boulaye Dia will likely lead the line for Lazio, hoping to end his recent goal drought. The Senegalese forward started the season brightly but has struggled in recent weeks. Support from the wings could come from Gustav Isaksen and Loum Tchaouna, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru potentially operating in a more advanced midfield role.
Como will be without midfielders Maximo Perrone and Sergi Roberto due to injury, while defender Edoardo Goldaniga is suspended. Manager Cesc Fabregas is likely to rely on the in-form Patrick Cutrone to spearhead the attack, supported by the creative talents of Gabriel Strefezza and Nico Paz.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Romagnoli, Gigot, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Isaksen; Di
Como: Reina; Van der Brempt, Dossena, Kempf, Moreno; Da Cunha, Engelhardt; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Match Prediction
Despite their recent stumbles, Lazio’s quality and home advantage should see them through this challenge. Como’s away form has been poor this season, with just one win in 10 road games. While the visitors have shown improvement, the step up in class may prove too much.
Prediction: Lazio 2-0 Como
