Lazio prepares to face Sassuolo in a critical Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico. The fixture, scheduled for 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET), marks a challenging period for the home side, highlighted by the debut of goalkeeper Edoardo Motta and ongoing fan protests, while Sassuolo enters the game on a strong run of form.
This encounter is surprisingly pivotal for both teams’ mid-table ambitions, with newly-promoted Sassuolo currently holding a higher league position than Lazio. A victory for Maurizio Sarri’s side would narrow the points gap to just one, potentially elevating Lazio to 10th place. Conversely, a Sassuolo win could see them surpass Bologna and claim eighth spot.
Lazio’s recent schedule included a 2-2 Coppa Italia semi-final draw against Atalanta, where they twice squandered a lead, setting up a decisive second leg in Bergamo next month.
A significant setback for Lazio is the long-term absence of key goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, who required shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. This unfortunate injury thrusts January signing Edoardo Motta into an immediate Serie A debut.
Further squad limitations for Lazio include the unavailability of Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella, and Samuel Gigot. Consequently, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru starts in midfield, supporting an attacking trio of Daniel Maldini, Gustav Isaksen, and Mattia Zaccagni.
Lazio’s form in the league has been concerning, having collected only two points from their last four Serie A matches and failing to score in three consecutive outings. Adding to the team’s difficulties, fans are currently boycotting home matches, choosing to support their team from outside the Stadio Olimpico in protest against President Claudio Lotito.
In stark contrast, Sassuolo arrives in excellent form, boasting five wins from their last six matches, with their sole defeat during this period coming against league leaders Inter. In terms of squad news, Sebastian Walukiewicz returns from suspension, though Andrea Pinamonti will be absent due to a ban. Alieu Fadera is sidelined, recovering from surgery for a fractured cheekbone sustained during their 2-1 victory over Atalanta, a game in which they played with ten men for over an hour. Daniel Boloca, Edoardo Pieragnolo, and Fali Candé remain long-term absentees. Sassuolo’s offensive lineup will feature M’Bala Nzola alongside Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurienté, with Nemanja Matic being rested for this fixture.
Official Lineups
Lazio: Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Nuno Tavares; Dele-Bashiru, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Maldini, Zaccagni
Sassuolo: Muric; Coulibaly, Idzes, Muharemovic, Garcia; Koné, Lipani, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Nzola, Laurienté
