Lazio begin their Europa League campaign on Wednesday evening in Germany, facing Dynamo Kyiv in the new single-group format mirroring the Champions League structure. The match will take place at the neutral venue of Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, as Dynamo cannot play in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.
The build-up to this European fixture has been less than ideal for Lazio, coming off a defeat in Serie A against Fiorentina. In contrast, Dynamo Kyiv, coached by former goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, leads their domestic league with 16 points from 6 matches. Lazio manager Marco Baroni is keen to start the European campaign on a positive note, aiming to send a strong signal of recovery after disappointing away performances earlier in the season.
Lazio welcome back Taty Castellanos for the cup tie but may be without Boulaye Dia due to an ankle issue. Gigot is unlikely to be called up as he continues his fitness work in Formello. Several rotations are expected in the lineup, considering Castrovilli’s exclusion from the UEFA list.
Dynamo Kyiv faces potential absences of defender Denys Popov, midfielder Mykola Mykhaylenko, and winger Nazar Voloshyn due to muscle problems, with late fitness tests scheduled. Young striker Matviy Ponomarenko is definitely out with an ankle ligament injury.
Possible Dynamo Kyiv lineup: (4-2-3-1): Bushchan; Tymchyk, Ceballos, Mykhavko, Vivcharenko; Brazhko, Shaparenko; Yarmolenko, Buyakskyy, Kabaev; Vanat.
Possible Lazio lineup: (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic, Patric, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Vecino, Rovella; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Noslin; Pedro.
