Serie A Week 28 – 13 Mar 2017 (19.45 UK)
Lazio – Torino
Stadio Olimpico
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Lazio vs Torino Preview and Prediction
Ciro Immobile takes on his old club and Italy strike partner Andrea Belotti, as fourth-placed Lazio host unpredictable Torino.
These are two in-form sides, with Lazio unbeaten in five, including four victories, and looking on course for a European finish, possibly even top three under Simone Inzaghi. Torino have lost just the one out of their last five games and, while continental qualification is looking an increasingly tall order for the Granata, they have a squad which can cause any side in the division problems on the day.
This encounter will have some added interest to onlookers to see two of the in-form strikers the Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura has at his disposal – former Toro teammates Immobile and Belotti.
Immobile scored a brace as Lazio comfortably brushed aside Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara. It was three wins on the bounce for the Biancocelesti, as they now sit just four points behind Napoli in their pursuit of a top three finish.
With Inter and Atalanta facing each other, this could be a pivotal time for Lazio to spearhead their final push. Immobile insisted his Lazio side are not ‘sated’ by their Coppa Italia derby win over Roma, as he looks to use former club Toro as the latest victims for him to build on his 16 league goals.
As for Torino, their jewel in an attacking crown is Belotti, who made Palermo manager Diego Lopez regret saying he wouldn’t have him in his side, as he netted a hat-trick to beat the Sicilians and become Capocannoniere. While Torino have impressed at times, their league record of 10 wins, nine draws and eight losses means Sinisa Mihajlovic cannot really trouble the European contenders.
Keep an eye on: Adem Ljajic (Torino) – With the spotlight firmly fixed on Immobile and Belotti, the Serbian playmaker can cause all sorts of problems. Returning to the Olimpico after his time with Lazio’s arch-rivals Roma, he could be the main source of creativity for Toro, as Iago Falque may only make the bench. Belotti himself has much to thank the Serbian for in service for his 22 goals so far this campaign.
Form guide: Lazio (W W W D W) Torino (W D L W D)
Last season: Lazio 3-0 Torino
Lazio (probable): Marchetti; Hoedt, De Vrij, Radu; Basta, Parolo, Biglia, Lulic; Milinkovic-Savic, Felipe Anderson; Immobile
Suspended: None
Torino (probable): Hart; Zappacosta, Rossettini, Castan, Barreca; Benassi, Lukic, Baselli; Iturbe, Belotti, Ljajic
Suspended: None
Prediction both team to score
