Lazio got their UEFA Europa League campaign off to a flier last week and will be out to chalk up a second successive win when French side Nice come to Rome.
I backed the Serie A giants to beat an average Dynamo Kiev side in their Euro opener and the bet was up before half-time as they raced into a 3-0 lead. Lazio took their foot off the gas after that and saw out the rest of the game, safe in the knowledge they had already done enough.
Marco Baroni's side followed that up by scoring three more on the road at Torino, with the 3-2 victory sending them up to seventh in Serie A. They are now starting to build some momentum and will be targeting another win against Nice.
The French side went into their Europa League opener on a high after smashing eight past St Etienne in Ligue 1 but could only draw 1-1 at home with Real Soceidad as Slips Tips just missed out on a winning bet.
Nice followed that up with another stalemate away to Lens back on domestic duty so will be looking to get back to winning ways at the Stadio Olimpico.
How the bookies view it: Lazio to Rome free
With Lazio picking up form it's no surprise to see them as Betano's 8/11 favourites. Nice are priced at 16/5 and a third successive draw for the French side pays 23/10.
Head to head: Not so Nice for the French
These sides have faced off just once before and it came in the Europa League seven years ago. Lazio won both games, following up a 3-1 victory in France with a 1-0 victory in Rome.
Players to watch: Dia's on fire
I flagged up Boulaye Dia as the man to watch in Lazio's Euro opener and he duly scored a double. He also scored against Torino at the weekend and is a decent 7/4 with Betfred to continue his hot streak.
Evann Guessand started up front for Nice in their clash with Real Sociedad and should get the nod again. The Ivorian is 31/10 with Betano to add to his three-goal tally this term.
Probable line-ups
Tijjani Noslin is suspended for Lazio after being sent off against Dynamo Kiev as a sub. Defender Samuel Gigot also looks set to miss out with a shoulder injury.
Momo Cho and Morgan Sanson are doubts for Nice who should be without Tanguy Ndombele, Melvin Bard, Gaetan Laborde, Terem Moffi again.
Lazio: Provedel, Pellegrini, Patric, Romagnoli, Marusic, Vecino, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru, Pedro, Dia, Isaksen
Nice: Bulka, Dante, Ndayishimiye, Bombito, Rosario, Louchet, Bard, Clauss, Moukoko, Bouanani, Guessand.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Lazio hitting form, they should be too strong for Nice, provided Baroni doesn't rest players ahead of the weekend Serie A game. Backing the Italians side to be winning at half-time and full-time pays 15/8 at Betfred while combining a Lazio win with under 4.5 goals pays evens in a bet builder.
Lazio have only won five corners across their last two games so there could be some value in backing under nine flag kicks at 6/5 with Bet365.
Nice should have to face a bit of pressure and I like the 23/20 on offer at Unibet for the French side to pick up over 2.5 cards.
This UEFA Europa League match between Lazio and Nice will be played on Oct 3, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Lazio vs Nice prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
