Lazio – Sassuolo : Preview & Prediction
After recording back-to-back league defeats for the first time since the festive period, second-placed Lazio’s best mathematical result could match league leaders Napoli’s current 79 points. Consequently, anything less than a win here will send the Scudetto to Napoli, but perhaps of greater concern to Lazio is that their grip on a top-four spot would be threatened.
That’s because going into the round only six points separate the teams between second and seventh, so the visit of a Sassuolo side with little at stake could come at an opportune time. However, playing at home has not been an indicator of success for Lazio this season, as Maurizio Sarri’s men are one of five Serie A (SA) teams averaging fewer points per game at home (1.88) than away (1.94).
Sitting 16 points above the relegation zone with just 18 to play for, Sassuolo can officially secure their place in next season’s Serie A with a win here, although they have almost certainly done enough to achieve that goal. The “neroverdi” side came from behind to win after Andrea Pinamonti was sent off last time out against Sampdoria, with a stunning last-gasp penalty that had the Stadio Mapei thrilled.
Pleasing the travelling supporters is next on the agenda for Sassuolo, although they come into this clash on the back of consecutive away defeats. Still, they had put together a five-game unbeaten away streak prior to that (G3, E2), which included an incredible 4-3 win at this very stadium against Lazio’s bitter rivals Roma.
Players to watch: Mattia Zaccagni scored the decisive goal in Lazio’s last two home wins and his first goal for Lazio was against none other than Sassuolo. Domenico Berardi was the hero in the previous round, scoring twice after the 80th minute to secure his side’s victory. The 28-year-old striker now has seven goal contributions in his last seven appearances (G4, A3).
Big Fact: Lazio have won less than half of their SA home games as pre-match favorites according to betting odds this season (G5, E3, P3).
Lazio – Sassuolo : Betting Tips
Lazio – Win Odds: 1.45
