Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 4:07 am GMT
After a lackluster start to the season, Lazio aims to reclaim its competitive edge as it takes on Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A match on Monday evening at the iconic Stadio Olimpico. With just one victory from three games, Lazio finds itself trailing Verona in the league standings—a surprising twist for the Roman club, considering its rich history and recent performances.
Match Context and Team Form
Lazio has had an inconsistent beginning to the 2024 Serie A season. After a promising start, which included a victory against Venezia, the team faltered in the subsequent matches. Their last game was a dramatic 2-2 draw against AC Milan, where they held a lead only to succumb to a late equalizer from Rafael Leao. Despite the disappointment, Lazio remains unbeaten in their last seven home matches in Serie A, showcasing their resilience at the Stadio Olimpico.
In contrast, Hellas Verona has made a strong start under manager Paolo Zanetti, winning two of its first three matches. A standout performance came in their 3-0 triumph over Napoli on the opening day, although they faced a setback with a 3-0 loss to Juventus. Coming off a 2-0 victory against Genoa, Verona looks to build momentum, but their record against Lazio poses a challenge.
Head-to-Head Trends
Historically, Lazio has had the upper hand in encounters with Verona:
- In 27 previous matches, Lazio leads with 14 wins to Verona’s 6, along with 7 draws.
- Lazio has won the last two meetings at home, including a narrow 1-0 victory in April.
- Verona has struggled at the Stadio Olimpico, claiming only one win in their last 16 away matches against Lazio, suffering 11 defeats in the process.
Furthermore, Lazio boasts a strong scoring record against Verona, netting goals in 20 of their last 21 league matches against them.
Probable Lineups
Ahead of the match, both teams are shaping their strategies based on player availability. Here are the potential lineups:
Lazio’s Expected Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel
- Defenders: Manuel Lazzari, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares
- Midfielders: Nicolo Rovella, Matteo Guendouzi
- Forwards: Mattia Zaccagni, Boulaye Dia, Valentin Castellanos
Hellas Verona’s Expected Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Lorenzo Montipo
- Defenders: Jackson Tchatchoua, Marco Coppola, Pawel Dawidowicz, Martin Frese
- Midfielders: Yassine Belahyane, Marco Silva
- Forwards: Tino Livramento, Adil Harroui, Darko Lazovic, Casper Tengstedt
Both managers will hope to field their strongest teams, with Lazio looking for offensive rhythm and Verona aiming to maintain their robust attacking form.
Key Players to Watch
As both teams prepare for this encounter, a few key players stand out based on their recent form:
- Valentin Castellanos (Lazio): The forward has shown promise early this season, scoring in two of Lazio’s three matches. His ability to find the net could be crucial against a Verona side that has had mixed defensive performances.
- Darko Lazovic (Verona): An experienced Serbian international, Lazovic has been integral to Verona’s attacking play, already providing two assists this season and having a solid record against Lazio historically.
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Betting markets lean in favor of Lazio. According to Betfred, the odds for a Lazio victory sit at 3/5, while a Verona win stands at 5/1, and the odds for a draw are 11/4. Given Lazio’s home advantage and historical dominance, many analysts predict they will take all three points, despite their prior defensive vulnerabilities.
In terms of scoring, both teams have demonstrated the ability to find the net. Given Lazio’s average of two goals per game and Verona’s recent scoring form, a bet for both teams to score could be appealing, priced at even odds.
Looking Ahead
This fixture not only carries implications for the Serie A standings but also sets the tone for Lazio as they gear up for their upcoming Europa League encounter against Dynamo Kiev. Marco Baroni, in his inaugural season as Lazio’s manager, will be eager to deliver results and silence early critics.
As the teams prepare to face off, fans can expect an engaging encounter filled with tactical battles and potential flashpoints. With both sides looking to make their mark this season, Monday night promises to be a gripping showdown in Italy’s top league.
Lazio is looking for an important win to help them get back on track. At the same time, Verona hopes to surprise everyone and win their second away game in a row. This match could be a big turning point for both teams as the season goes on.
