The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is set to host a crucial Serie A encounter on Saturday as fourth-placed Lazio welcome league leaders Napoli. This match could have significant implications for both the title race and the battle for Champions League qualification.
Lazio enter this fixture in high spirits, having secured back-to-back victories in their last two Serie A outings. A hard-fought 2-1 win away at Cagliari was followed by a dominant 5-1 thrashing of bottom-placed Monza at home. These results have solidified their grip on the fourth and final Champions League spot, though they face stiff competition from Juventus, Fiorentina, AC Milan, and Bologna.
Napoli, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, have seen their lead at the top of the table shrink to just one point following two consecutive draws. A last-gasp equalizer from Roma denied them victory in their last visit to the capital, while mid-table Udinese held them to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Despite these setbacks, Napoli’s tally of 55 points after 24 games represents their fourth-best start to a Serie A campaign in club history.
Interestingly, Lazio have had the upper hand in recent encounters between these two sides. The Biancocelesti have already defeated Napoli twice this season – a 3-1 victory in the Coppa Italia and a 1-0 win in Naples in Serie A. Should Lazio emerge victorious again, it would mark the first time in 30 years that they have beaten Napoli three times in a single season.
However, Napoli’s overall record at the Olimpico remains impressive, having won eight of their last 11 visits to face Lazio in Rome.
For Lazio, captain Mattia Zaccagni has been a thorn in Napoli’s side, scoring twice and assisting once in his last three home games against them. Taty Castellanos, Lazio’s top scorer, will be crucial in leading the line.
Napoli’s Giovanni Simeone boasts an impressive record against Lazio with eight goals, including four in one match. However, his recent form suggests Romelu Lukaku will continue to lead the attack. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo is set to make his 200th Serie A appearance for Napoli.
Team News
Lazio manager Marco Baroni faces several selection challenges due to injuries. Forward Boulaye Dia is doubtful after spraining his ankle against Monza, while Matias Vecino, Patric, and former Napoli full-back Elseid Hysaj are all ruled out. Pedro or Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could step in if Dia fails to recover. Recent signings Arijon Ibrahimovic, Reda Belahyane, and Oliver Provstgaard provide additional options from the bench.
Napoli’s injury concerns centre around their attack. The departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain has been compounded by an injury to his replacement, David Neres. Antonio Conte may turn to loan signing Noah Okafor or give Giacomo Raspadori his first Serie A start since August. In defence, Alessandro Buongiorno is fit to return, potentially allowing Juan Jesus to shift to left-back.
Expected Starting XIs
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Pedro, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Jesus; Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku, Raspadori
Match Prediction
This match promises to be a tactical chess match between Marco Baroni and Antonio Conte. Lazio’s recent success against Napoli suggests they have found a formula to neutralize the league leaders’ strengths. However, Conte’s side will be desperate to avoid falling further behind in the title race.
Both teams have shown a penchant for late drama this season, having earned the most points from goals scored after the 75th minute. This could lead to an exciting finish at the Olimpico.
Given Lazio’s recent dominance in this fixture and home advantage, they might just edge this encounter. A 2-1 victory for the Biancocelesti could be on the cards, potentially ending Napoli’s nine-game unbeaten run and throwing the Serie A title race wide open.
Prediction: Lazio 2-1 Napoli
