After kicking off their Europa League campaign in style, Lazio look to maintain momentum as they host Nice at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening. The Italian side made a statement with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv on Matchday 1, while Nice were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Real Sociedad. As the two clubs meet in Rome, Lazio will be favored to secure another positive result and take control of Group E.
Following an inconsistent start to the Serie A season, Lazio appear to be hitting their stride under new manager Marco Baroni. The Biancocelesti have won three of their last four matches across all competitions, including Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 triumph away to Torino. That victory lifted Lazio to 8th in the league table and provided a confidence boost heading into this European clash.
Baroni’s side were ruthless in dismantling Dynamo Kyiv last time out in the Europa League, racing to a 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes. Striker Boulaye Dia continued his hot streak with a brace, taking his tally to five goals in his last five appearances. The Senegalese forward has quickly become a key figure in Lazio’s attack since joining from Villarreal in the summer.
Lazio boast an impressive recent record in European home matches, having won their last three continental contests at the Olimpico without conceding. Those victories all came in last season’s Champions League campaign. The Roman club will be eager to translate that form to the Europa League as they target a deep run in the competition this term.
While Lazio enter in good spirits, Nice face a daunting task as they seek their first ever positive result against Italian opposition in Europe. Les Aiglons have lost all six of their previous encounters with Serie A sides, including both meetings with Lazio in the 2017-18 Europa League group stage.
Nice’s overall record in this competition also leaves much to be desired. They have won just one of their last 10 Europa League matches, suffering eight defeats in that span. Their away form is particularly concerning, with six consecutive losses on their travels in the tournament.
However, Franck Haise’s side arrive in Rome unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. After thrashing Saint-Etienne 8-0 in Ligue 1, Nice earned a creditable draw against Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener before holding Lens to a goalless stalemate at the weekend. Currently sitting 9th in the French top flight, Les Aiglons will hope to translate their solid domestic form to the European stage.
Team News
Lazio manager Baroni is expected to rotate his squad somewhat from the weekend win over Torino. Defender Patric could return to the starting lineup after injury, while attacking trio Loum Tchaouna, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Pedro may be drafted in after featuring from the bench recently.
The hosts will be without suspended forward Tijjani Noslin following his red card against Dynamo Kyiv. French center-back Samuel Gigot is also set to miss out through injury.
For Nice, Melvin Bard remains sidelined until after the international break, meaning Ali Abdi should continue at left wing-back. Several other players are still recovering from injuries, including Tanguy Ndombele, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Morgan Sanson, Terem Moffi and Gaetan Laborde.
With those absences in mind, Evann Guessand and Youssoufa Moukoko are likely to lead the line for the visitors. Manager Haise may opt to make some changes with an eye on this weekend’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Vecino; Tchaouna, Dele-Bashiru, Pedro; Castellanos
Nice: Bulka; Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Dante; Clauss, Rosario, Louchet, Abdi; Boga, Moukoko, Guessand
Prediction
Given Lazio’s impressive home record in Europe and Nice’s struggles on the road, the Italian side should have enough quality to secure another victory. Nice will look to keep things tight, but Lazio’s attacking firepower may prove too much over 90 minutes.
Prediction:Lazio 2-0 Nice
