Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers Free Sports Picks Daily - Sports News
Lazio and Roma are set to clash in an exciting Coppa Italia quarter-final at the Stadio Olimpico in what promises to be a thrilling Derby della Capitale encounter. After a goalless draw in their last meeting, a winner must emerge in this fixture.
Match Preview
Lazio has been in excellent form recently, accumulating 23 points from their last 12 league games. They continued their winning ways with a late 2-1 victory over Udinese, positioning themselves just three points away from the top four in Serie A.
Maurizio Sarri’s side is gearing up for a crucial run of fixtures, with the derby followed by a Supercoppa semi-final against Inter Milan.
While Sarri voiced dissatisfaction with the Coppa’s schedule, Lazio aims to maintain their impressive form.
Despite their domestic prowess, Lazio hasn’t excelled in the Coppa Italia recently, going out at the quarter-final stage in successive seasons following their triumph under former manager Simone Inzaghi.
Roma, under Jose Mourinho, earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Atalanta, but their league form has been inconsistent, leaving them in eighth place.
Mourinho’s team snatched a 2-1 win against Cremonese in the last 16, and they aim to improve their Coppa Italia record.
While the recent derby ended without goals, Lazio has dominated their city rivals in recent meetings, claiming victories in their last two encounters.
Team News
Lazio will miss key players Ciro Immobile and Luis Alberto due to injury. Alessio Romagnoli and Manuel Lazzari could feature after returning, while Daichi Kamada might continue in Luis Alberto’s absence.
Roma will be without Houssem Aouar and Evan N’Dicka, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Injuries sideline Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, and Renato Sanches, but the young Dean Huijsen might feature after an impressive debut.
Predicted Lineups
Lazio: (4-3-3)
Provedel;
Lazzari, Romagnoli, Patric, Hysaj;
Guendouzi, Rovella, Kamada;
Isaksen, Castellanos, Zaccagni
Roma: (5-3-2)
Svilar;
Celik, Kristensen, Mancini, Huijsen, Zalewski;
Bove, Cristante, Pellegrini;
Dybala, Lukaku
Prediction: Lazio 1-1 Roma (Lazio to win on penalties)
Anticipate a closely-contested game, potentially heading to penalties, given Lazio’s form and recent successes against Roma. Despite their recent dominance, derbies are unpredictable, and Mourinho’s side will be eager to upset the odds.
