Juventus vs Lazio – News and Probable Lineups

After a disappointing cup exit earlier in the week, Juventus is eager to rebound in Serie A, facing Lazio on Sunday evening.

Despite Juve’s recent loss in the Coppa Italia halting their winning streak, their opponents are riding high after a thrilling stoppage-time victory last week.

Match overview

Under the astute leadership of Luciano Spalletti, Juventus has transformed, winning seven out of their last nine Serie A fixtures and tallying 21 goals; only Inter de Milão, favorites for the Scudetto, have secured more victories during this span.

In addition to climbing into Italy’s top four, Juve has progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League, further boosting morale in Turin.

However, after scoring four goals against Parma in their last league match, largely due to a brace from Bremer, the Bianconeri were soundly defeated by Atalanta BC four days later.

Missing the opportunity for a semi-final matchup against Lazio, who will face holders Bologna for a spot in the last four next week, Juve suffered a disheartening 3-0 loss in Thursday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final.

Now, as they aim for a positive outcome before the Derby d’Italia showdown with Inter and an upcoming Champions League playoff against Galatasaray, Spalletti’s side will return to their home ground.

Joined by Napoli, Juventus remains one of the two teams yet to lose at home in Serie A, having conceded only eight league goals at the Allianz Stadium.

With three consecutive home victories against Lazio, recent encounters give the hosts a psychological edge heading into their clash this weekend.

On the flip side, Lazio managed to secure a 1-0 victory in the first fixture back in October, which gives them the chance to achieve their first league double over Juventus since 1943.

Former Juve coach Maurizio Sarri is experiencing a turbulent second term with the Biancocelesti, as the club’s transfer strategy has led to a significant rift within the team.

Lazio has seen their ranking tumble to eighth after parting ways with several critical players from an already limited squad; now, nine points behind sixth-placed Como, they face the likely prospect of missing out on European competition for the second consecutive year.

Nonetheless, there was a beacon of hope last weekend, as Danilo Cataldi’s penalty in the 100th minute secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Genoa.

This season, Lazio has excelled in scoring the most goals during second-half stoppage time in Serie A, with five goals making up over a fifth of their total for the league.

Before heading to Bologna for their Coppa Italia tie next Wednesday, Sarri returns to Turin, hoping to address a rather poor away record.

No team has scored fewer away goals than Lazio, scoring only six in 11 matches, which is the club’s worst record at this stage since 1990; they’ve also claimed just three wins on the road thus far.

Team News

Spalletti made some adjustments for Thursday’s cup match, but first-choice goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and key playmaker Kenan Yildiz are expected to return to the starting XI.

Despite dealing with an adductor strain, Yildiz looks set to participate this weekend, leaving Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik as the only absentees.

In their absence, Jonathan David could partner with Lois Openda to spearhead the Bianconeri’s attacking efforts, while recent acquisition Jeremie Boga provides a new option on the flank.

Once more, Bremer will be a threat during set-pieces. Including his double against Parma, the Brazilian has netted 21 times since scoring his first Serie A goal in 2019; having played only 13 matches this season, he has already contributed to five goals.

Lazio’s injury report is highlighted by the absence of club captain Mattia Zaccagni, while Samuel Gigot and Manuel Lazzari are also set to miss out.

Additionally, seasoned defender Alessio Romagnoli has been training separately, and left-back Luca Pellegrini will serve a one-match suspension, ruling him out against his former club.

Veteran winger Pedro is on track to make his 150th Serie A appearance for the Biancocelesti, all achieved after the age of 33.

Juventus probable starting XI:

Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David

Lazio probable starting XI:

Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Proxgaard, Tavares; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Pedro

Recovered from their three-goal defeat in Bergamo, Juventus is likely to take advantage of a weakened Lazio side.

The capital club has lost key players—while others are injured or suspended—making them vulnerable to a revitalized Juve attack.