Lazio, currently in 5th place in Serie A, is striving to break into the top 4 for a Champions League spot next season. The team has been in strong form, winning five consecutive matches against Genoa, Como, Cagliari, Monza, and Bologna, although they were recently defeated 3-1 by promoted Parma.
However, Lazio bounced back with two notable victories over Napoli, winning 3-1 in the Italian Cup and 1-0 in the league.
Inter Milan, the defending Serie A champions, are once again favorites for the title. They currently sit in 3rd place, three points behind the leaders, with a game in hand. They are unbeaten in their last nine league matches, with seven wins and two draws. Although Inter lost their first Champions League match of the season 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen, they are still well-positioned to advance to the round of 16.
Lazio will be without key players such as defender Romagnoli and midfielder Vecino, who are injured, and striker Castellanos, who is suspended. Castellanos, who has scored six goals this season, may be replaced by Noslin, who scored a hat-trick in the Italian Cup against Napoli. Lazio’s attack will rely on players like Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni, and the strong midfield duo of Rovella and Guendouzi.
Inter, meanwhile, will miss key defensive players Pavard and Acerbi, as well as backup goalkeeper Di Gennaro. However, Dutch full-back Dumfries, who was recently ill, will be available.
Inter’s captain trio of Dimarco, Barella, and Lautaro Martinez, who has five goals and two assists, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Lautaro, alongside Marcus Thuram (10 goals and three assists), forms a powerful offensive partnership for Inter, who have the second-best attack in Serie A.
Prediction
Lazio 1-1 Inter. Both teams have recently been involved in matches with fewer than 3.5 goals, suggesting a close contest.
