Seventh-placed Lazio and 11th-placed Torino lock horns in a high-stakes Serie A showdown under the lights at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night.
With European ambitions still in sight, Lazio can’t afford any slip-ups as they chase down the top four, sitting five points adrift. Meanwhile, Torino’s push for a top-half finish is picking up steam, and with just two points separating them from their target, they’ll be desperate to keep the momentum rolling in Rome.
With everything to play for, expect a fiery battle as both sides fight tooth and nail for a crucial three points.
Lazio limped into the international break after a humiliating 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Bologna—a second brutal loss to a top-four contender this season, following a 6-0 demolition by Inter Milan.
Winless in their last three matches and struggling at home with just one victory in seven, desperation is creeping in for Marco Baroni’s side. A response is needed, and fast.
The injury list isn’t helping matters. Star striker Taty Castellanos remains sidelined for at least two more weeks, while defensive stalwart Patric has undergone surgery after battling a persistent ankle issue. First-choice left-back Nuno Tavares is also a doubt with a muscular injury, and experienced midfielder Matias Vecino is suspended.
However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Captain Mattia Zaccagni has shaken off an injury that ruled him out of Italy’s UEFA Nations League opener and is set to return in attack. Meanwhile, Matteo Guendouzi—who has a habit of tormenting Torino—will be eager to add to his tally of two goals against Monday’s opponents.
LAZIO predicted lineup vs TORINO: Provedel (GK); Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dele-Bashiru, Zaccagni; Dia.
Torino were gathering serious momentum before the international break rudely halted their charge. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli—sealed by Nikola Vlasic’s second-half strike—extended their unbeaten run to four games, including three wins.
Scoring goals has not been an issue, with Torino netting at least twice in four of their last five matches. However, their away form remains inconsistent, with just two wins in their last eight on the road. That said, they’ve been stubborn travelers, suffering only one defeat in that stretch. Against Lazio, they’ve lost just once in their last four visits to the Stadio Olimpico.
Torino’s squad is almost at full strength, though they remain without Alieu Njie, long-term absentees Perr Schuurs and Duvan Zapata. However, Valentino Lazaro and Sebastian Walukiewicz are back in contention after missing the Empoli win.
January arrivals Eljif Elmas and Cesare Casadei have played a crucial role, directly contributing to four of Torino’s last five away goals. They are expected to start again, while top scorer Che Adams (eight goals) is set to lead the attack, with Antonio Sanabria still struggling for form after returning from international duty.
TORINO predicted lineup vs LAZIO: Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Walukiewicz, Maripan, Coco, Biraghi; Ricci, Casadei; Lazaro, Vlasic, Elmas; Adams.
Lazio could be in for another frustrating night as they face a well-drilled Torino side that refuses to go down easily. With just five away defeats all season, Toro have proven to be a stubborn force on the road, and their shrewd winter transfer business has breathed new life into their campaign.
Meanwhile, Lazio’s early-season spark is fading fast. Their momentum has stalled, and cracks are beginning to show. Up against a Torino squad that thrives on resilience and discipline, the hosts will need to dig deep to avoid another setback at the Stadio Olimpico.
Prediction: Lazio 1-1 Torino.
