Inter Milan vs Lazio
After yet more cup success in midweek, Inter Milan must now turn their attention back to Serie A, where they will have a huge showdown against second-place Lazio coming up this weekend.
Aside from beating Benfica to set up the all-Milan Champions League semi-finals, the Nerazzurri are also through to the Coppa Italia final after defeating rivals Juventus.
Simone Inzaghi will now face off against his old side Lazio, who are hoping to finish second in Serie A this season. But with Juventus’ 15-point deduction overturned, the Biancocelesti only have a two-point lead and cannot afford to slip up at the San Siro.
Talking Points
Inter on a high after cup successes
It has been a disappointing Serie A campaign for Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri are down in sixth in the table, two points adrift in the top-four race.
But Simone Inzaghi is making up for that underwhelming domestic season by leading Inter to two deep cup runs. After they sealed their spot in the Champions League semi-finals – where they will meet city rivals AC Milan – the Nerazzurri defeated Juventus 1-0 in midweek to reach the Coppa Italia final.
Romelu Lukaku surprisingly didn’t get the start against Juve despite his excellent performance in their 3-0 win over Empoli, which snapped their five-game winless run. The Belgian bagged a brace in that match and set up Lautaro Martinez’s late third goal.
But Lukaku has been a regular starter in Serie A over the last few weeks, so he should return to the first XI this weekend against Lazio. Lukaku will likely partner Lautaro Martinez, who has also rediscovered some form, with two goals and an assist in his last three games.
Aside from centre-back Milan Skriniar, Inter don’t have any other glaring injury issues at the moment. But Inter’s defence doesn’t seem to be missing Skriniar, though, as they’ve kept four clean sheets in their last four games.
Lazio look to bounce back after shock loss
Lazio’s Serie A 2023 odds to finish second – their highest finish since their last Scudetto in 1999-2000 – hit a snag as they lost 1-0 at home to Torino last weekend. A costly error from Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel led to the lone goal. The loss snapped their four-game winning streak and eight-game unbeaten run in Serie A.
And to make matters worse for the Biancocelesti, Juventus are now just two points back after the Old Lady’s 15-point penalty was overturned.
Lazio captain Ciro Immobile played against his old club just days after being involved in a car crash. However, the 33-year-old – who has only scored once from open play in Serie A since early-January – did not make too many Serie A 2023 highlights.
Lazio have fared surprisingly well despite their talisman no longer providing goals on a consistent basis. Felipe Anderson has been outstanding playing as the team’s centre-forward with Mattia Zaccagni and Pedro on either side.
The defence has been a massive reason for Lazio’s success this season. They are tied with Napoli for the best defence in Serie A with just 21 goals conceded. Starting defensive midfielder Danilo Cataldi missed the Torino match due to suspension, which was a big loss. But the Italian will be back to replace Matias Vecino, who had a disappointing game in the heart of the midfield against Torino.
History
The Lazio-Inter matchup has been as competitve as any between two top teams in Italy in recent years. In their last 28 Serie A matches, Inter hold a slight 14-11 advantage in wins, with three draws.
Although, Lazio have had the upper hand in the cups, winning all three of their meetings (two in the Coppa Italia, one in the Italian Super Cup).
Speaking of upper hands, the home team has made their advantage count in recent years; the home team has won each of the last six meetings between the two.
Lazio kept that trend going earlier this season when they won 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. Felipe Anderson, Luis Alberton, and Pedro all got on the scoresheet.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Inter Milan installed as 1.84 favourites to get the home win at San Siro. Lazio are priced at 3.75, while a draw is 3.45.
Inter will be at a disadvantage after playing in midweek, but their confidence will be high after beating Juventus and will have their sights set on finishing in the top four.
Lazio will obviously be a tough opponent to break down, but with Lukaku in fine form, the Nerazzurri should have enough to come out on top in this big showdown at the San Siro.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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