Sampdoria are buoyant after defeating Torino 2-0 last time out while Lazio are smarting after a bitter derby defeat.
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A week ago all seemed rosy for Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio side. Now they are in need of an urgent boost after their latest derby disaster. To compound matters, substitute Danilo Cataldi was sent off from the bench, while Senad Lulic has created controversy for his club due to ill-advised comments made about Giallorossi defender Antonio Rudiger.
Despite these problems, Le Aquile start the game in fifth place in the table on a healthy 28 points, six clear of the ninth-placed home side.
Until Sunday’s victory over Torino, Sampdoria probably wouldn’t have been regarded as challengers for European football, but they will be hoping to use the triumph as a springboard for upcoming matches and keep pushing up the table. Coach Marco Giampaolo described the performance as one of their best of the season. In truth, they had to show great resilience as they came under heavy pressure for long spells. This has been a factor in their play since a 4-1 reverse to Juventus in Week 10, resulting in a five-match unbeaten run.
Before Sunday’s disappointment at the hands of their most bitter rivals, Lazio had been in excellent form. They had enjoyed a nine-game positive streak, yielding 21 points in the process. For the opening hour against Roma they made a good impression, then proceeded to gift the old enemy three points with two incredible defensive howlers.
The suspension to Cataldi aside, Lazio are likely to be without key forward Keita Balde Diao due to a knee problem. In addition, they will carry out a fitness check on Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Eagles are likely to stick to a 4-3-3 formation and reintroduce Dutch central defender Stefan de Vrij, who is now available after injury. Lazio can often be particularly potent in wide areas and this could be a big weapon against what will likely be a narrow Sampdoria side. If, as is likely, Keita is unavailable here, young Dutchman Ricardo Kishna will probably replace him. Leading the line as usual will be nine-goal hitman Ciro Immobile.
Sampdoria will likely respond with a 4-3-1-2 formation and will probably remain unchanged from last time out. Giampaolo’s side will look to remain tight in midfield and make it difficult for the Biancocelesti to play between their lines. Much will be expected of young Uruguyan schemer Lucas Torriera while Portuguese trequartista Bruno Fernandes will be asked to provide ammunition for strike duo Luis Muriel and Fabio Quagliarella.
The Blucerchiati can look to a strong home record to give them belief. The 1990-91 Serie A Champions have taken 16 points from seven home games so far. An intriguing clash awaits calcio followers here and surely an extremely balanced and hard-fought contest.
Keep an eye on: Lucas Torreira (Sampdoria) – The young Uruguayan midfielder has made an excellent impression in his debut Serie A season. He looks to have both great tactical intelligence and excellent technique. Inter are already said to be interested and he is surely destined for bigger things.
Form guide: Sampdoria (W D W D W) Lazio ( L W W D W)
Last season: Sampdoria 2-1 Lazio
Stat fact: Until last April’s 2-1 triumph, Sampdoria had gone eight matches without a win against Lazio in Serie A, picking up just two 1-1 draws.
Top Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Sampdoria (probable): Puggioni; Pereira, Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; Barreto, Torreira, Praet; Fernandes; Quagliarella, Muriel.
Suspended: None
Lazio (probable): Marchetti; Basta, Wallace, De Vrij, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Lulic; Anderson, Immobile, Kishna
