Starting their round-of-16 clash at Stadio Olimpico, Lazio and Bayern Munich collide on Wednesday evening, as the Champions League knockout phase commences.
The Serie A team is striving for their first quarter-final spot in 24 years, while the German champions have reached that stage for three consecutive years and are eyeing a seventh European title.
Match preview
Despite facing challenges in their domestic season, Lazio return to the knockout stage of the Champions League after an eventful journey through the group phase.
Finishing as last season’s runners-up to Napoli, Biancocelesti currently occupy the eighth spot in Serie A due to inconsistency: they recently ended a winless streak with a victory over Cagliari, trailing the top four by five points.
The team heavily relied on home games during Group E, finishing second to Atletico Madrid but above Feyenoord and Celtic, securing two wins and a draw in Rome.
Their standout moment was goalkeeper Ivan Provedel’s unlikely late equalizer against Atletico, ensuring Lazio’s third appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds.
In their prior knockouts, Lazio were swiftly eliminated by Valencia in 2000 and Bayern Munich in 2021.
Bayern dominated both legs of the last-16 tie three years ago, triumphing 4-1 at Stadio Olimpico and 2-1 in Bavaria. Sarri’s main aim will be to stay competitive after the opening match.
Bayern, unbeaten in 12 Champions League encounters against Italian opponents, advanced from 11 of their last 12 round-of-16 ties, except for a loss to Liverpool four years ago.
After topping Group A comfortably, Bayern is focused on another deep run. Although their Bundesliga campaign faces challenges, they remain a formidable force in Europe.
While Lazio progresses in the Coppa Italia, Bayern has faced setbacks in domestic competitions, intensifying the pressure on them to secure silverware.
Team News
Nicolo Rovella returns for Lazio, providing options in midfield alongside Matteo Guendouzi and Luis Alberto. Ciro Immobile leads the attack, aiming to continue his impressive Champions League record.
For Bayern, Harry Kane’s form stands out with four goals and three assists in the competition. Thomas Tuchel faces selection dilemmas due to several key absences, potentially altering his defensive setup.
Possible lineups
Lazio:
Provedel;
Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Hysaj;
Guendouzi, Rovella, Alberto;
Isaksen, Immobile, Anderson
Bayern Munich:
Neuer;
Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro;
Kimmich, Goretzka;
Sane, Muller, Musiala;
Kane
Prediction: Lazio 1-2 Bayern Munich
Expect Bayern to edge past Lazio 2-1, leveraging their experience and attacking depth. Lazio’s recent vulnerability suggests a tough challenge for them to upset the Bavarians over two legs.
