Lazio has been keeping their top-four hopes alive, picking up 11 points from their last five matches as the season nears its end. While Napoli and Inter Milan are battling for the Scudetto and Atalanta is likely secure in third, only one Champions League spot remains up for grabs. Juventus, Bologna, Fiorentina, and both Rome clubs are all still in the hunt.
In their last match, Lazio earned a 1-0 win over struggling Empoli, thanks to a goal from Boulaye Dia just a minute into the game. The Senegalese forward has now scored nine league goals, helping Lazio gain 11 points this season. Interestingly, Lazio has performed better on the road, winning their last three away games. However, their struggles at home have been ongoing, with five consecutive draws at Stadio Olimpico.
A win over Juventus and Lecce in the upcoming matches could be enough for Lazio to secure a Champions League spot, especially since they’ve won their last three home games against Juve. Coach Marco Baroni will be determined to extend that streak to four.
However, Juventus beat Lazio 1-0 in Turin earlier this season, and head-to-head records will be crucial if teams finish tied on points. With Lazio and Roma currently equal with Juventus in the standings, and Bologna just one point behind, any slip-up could prove costly in the final stretch of the season.
In their last match, Juventus played to a 1-1 draw with Bologna, with Khephren Thuram scoring his fourth goal of the campaign. Despite their struggles this season, Thuram has been a standout performer, contributing five assists as well. Interim manager Igor Tudor has steadied the ship with three wins, two draws, and one loss since taking over from Thiago Motta, but Juventus will need to improve their away form, having earned just two points from three road games under Tudor.
With three matches left to play, Juventus is under immense pressure to secure Champions League qualification, not only for their pride as Italy's most successful club but also to avoid severe financial consequences. A victory at the Olimpico is a must if they are to stay in contention.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Lazio coach Marco Baroni’s concerns about having just one available full-back this weekend, with Luca Pellegrini the only option, have been eased by the return of Manuel Lazzari and Nuno Tavares to full training.
Although Adam Marusic picked up a knock in the win over Empoli, he should be fit to play at right-back, with Pellegrini on the left. That means Patric and Elseid Hysaj will be the only absentees, with Hysaj serving a suspension for his red card last week.
In midfield, Nicolo Rovella, another Juventus loanee, is expected to partner Matteo Guendouzi, while Taty Castellanos and Boulaye Dia will likely lead the attack.
Juventus also faces their own injury and suspension issues. In defense, Lloyd Kelly and Federico Gatti have joined Bremer and Juan Cabal on the sidelines, and now Andrea Cambiaso is also ruled out with a thigh injury.
Additionally, forward Kenan Yildiz is serving a two-match suspension for his red card against Monza, and Teun Koopmeiners is still battling an Achilles problem.
However, there is some good news for interim coach Igor Tudor: top scorer Dusan Vlahovic has recovered and could make the bench, while Randal Kolo Muani is set to start up front.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Lazio possible starting lineup:
Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Pellegrini; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Juventus possible starting lineup:
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Veiga, Savona; Weah, Locatelli, Thuram, McKennie; Conceicao, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Lazio 1-2 Juventus
