Lazio vs Juventus
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday, 27 August 2016,
Kick-Off: 17:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).


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Matchday one of the 2016/2017 Serie A season started off with two exciting fixtures last Saturday, and matchday two will be no exception. First up will be an intriguing clash between Lazio and Juventus, and both sides will be eager to maintain their perfect start to their respective campaigns.

The Biancocelesti come into this match having seen off Atalanta in a seven-goal thriller. Currently under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi – younger brother of famous striker Pippo – Lazio kept their supporters entertained from start to finish. Clearly, the Aquile intend to be a strong attacking side – as they raced into a three goal lead in just over half an hour. Still, their defensive frailties were on full display as they started to wobble in the second half before just about hanging on for all three points.

Given the youthfulness of this team, with the majority of the first-choice starting line-up being 24 years and younger, this is not surprising. After finishing in eighth spot last term, Lazio are naturally aiming to do better and secure a European spot for next season. However, the Biancocelesti are next welcoming an opponent whom they have not beaten in Serie A action in over a decade.

With the exception of a couple of Coppa Italia victories during the 2012/2013 and 2008/2009 seasons, it’s been nothing but misery for Lazio against Juventus. Unfortunately for the hosts, the Bianconeri, an already strong side, have further enhanced their squad with some key acquisitions this summer. One of these new faces, Gonzalo Higuain, is a player that will strike fear into Lazio supporters’ hearts. The ex-Napoli man, who scored a whopping 36 goals last season, also has a knack for netting against the Aquile: 11 goals in just six appearances. Not to be outdone, his fellow Argentinian attacker Paulo Dybala has scored in five out of his last six meetings versus the Biancocelesti.

Juventus arrive in the Eternal City having earned a hard-fought victory over Fiorentina on opening day. And Higuain – the most expensive transfer within Serie A in history – has already opened his account for his new club. It so also happened to be the game-winner, which now has already endeared him to La Vecchia Signora’s passionate fan-base. Hence, despite his clear lack of fitness, Massimiliano Allegri may opt to start him as a reward for his impact during the tie with the Viola, which could relegate Mario Mandzukic to the bench.

Lazio: Team News

Inzaghi will have pretty much a full strength squad at his disposal. New signing Ciro Immobile will be hoping to score against his former club, whilst fellow new acquisition Jordan Lukaku is still getting settled in Serie A.

Lazio: Expected Starting Line-up (4-3-3)

Marchetti – Basta, De Vrij, Radu, Lukaku – Parolo, Biglia, Lulic – Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Kishna.

Juventus: Team News

As noted before, Higuain could start in lieu of Mario Mandzukic alongside Dybala. Allegri’s only notable absentee for this match is Claudio Marchisio, with the Italian international still recovering from a bad knee injury.


Juventus: Expected Starting Line-up (3-5-2)

Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini – Dani Alves, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Alex Sandro – Higuain, Dybala

Lazio vs Juventus: Head-to-Head Stats

  • Excluding Coppa Italia ties, Lazio have not beaten Juventus since December 6, 2003
  • La Vecchia Signora has managed to shut the Aquile out in six out of their last seven meetings across all competitions
  • Lazio have not scored against Juventus in Serie A since January 25, 2014
  • Since then, they have conceded 10 goals in four league meetings
  • Lazio have failed to score in four out of their last five games against Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico

Lazio vs Juventus: Prediction

Lazio looked promising against Atalanta for the first 45, but their capitulation during the second period clearly shows that they are a work in progress. Meanwhile, Juventus appeared confident and assured during their clash with Fiorentina. They also demonstrated they have the squad depth to make an impact off the bench. For all intents and purposes, the Biancocelesti will put up a fight. However, the Bianconeri simply will be too much to handle, and should depart the Eternal City with all three points in hand.

Lazio win: 15/4 |Juventus win: 4/5 | Draw: 12/5

Lazio vs Juventus: Betting Tips

  1. Juventus to win at 4/5.
  2. Over 2.5 goals (62%).