An intriguing contest is on the cards as Lazio host Roma in a derby clash that could have ramifications in the battle for Europe. Both teams have been slightly erratic in recent weeks and with two points separating them on the Serie A standings, they look set to cancel each other out.
Lazio do not head into Sunday’s clash in the best mood after crashing out of the Europa Conference League on Thursday. They were beaten 2-1 by AZ Alkmaar and a similar defeat in the first leg means their continental campaign has ended.
The good news for Lazio is that they can now fully focus on their domestic campaign and the quest to secure a top four finish. They are currently third and will be keen to fend off the likes of AC Milan and Roma who are just behind them.
While Lazio will be disappointed with their recent showings in Europe, their domestic form been solid. Maurizio Sarri’s men have won three of their last four Serie A matches but were held to a 0-0 draw at Bologna in their previous fixture.
Unlike Lazio, Roma come into Sunday’s clash on a high after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Europa League. They played out a 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on Thursday but a 2-0 victory in the first leg ensured they progressed.
While Roma will be basking in their Europa League progress, their recent form in Serie A has been a bit suspect with just two wins and as many defeats from their last five matches. However, sitting just two points behind Lazio, they could find themselves up to third if results go their way this weekend.
One of the major problems for Roma lately has been an inability to keep things tight at the back. This defensive frailty was evident as Jose Mourinho’s men suffered a 4-3 home defeat to Sassuolo in their previous Serie A fixture.
How the bookies view it
The bookies appear to be split on this one with a win for Lazio priced at 31/16 by SBK while Unibet is offering odds of 9/5 for a Roma victory. A draw is set at odds of 21/10 by BoyleSports.
Head to head
Roma have a 25-20 advantage with 20 draws from 65 previous matches against Lazio. Both teams have claimed two wins each in the last four meetings, although the Biancocelesti earned a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in November.
Players to watch
Lazio are still without Ciro Immobile, which means Mattia Zaccagni could be the one to watch on Sunday. The attacker has eight Serie A goals this season and is priced at 6/1 by Unibet to get on the score sheet.
Paulo Dybala has impressed for Roma in recent weeks and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward has nine Serie A goals this season and could be backed to find the net on Sunday at 7/2 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Roma produced a seven-goal thriller in their previous Serie A fixture and could be set for something similar on Sunday. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 9/2 with BetVictor, over 2.5 goals is valued at 18/11 with SBK, who are also offering odds of 8/7 on both teams to score.
Roma have seen more goals after the break in two of their last three away matches in Serie A and Sunday’s clash can be tipped to follow a similar pattern at 5/4 with Paddy Power.
This Serie A match between Lazio and Roma will be played on Mar 19, 2023 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Lazio vs Roma prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
