Lazio Analysis
Lazio enters this match with a clear goal – to end their poor home run and secure three points in the battle for a European spot. After a 2-0 victory over Cagliari, Marco Baroni’s team has regained some confidence, but they still show inconsistencies in their performances.
Form and home struggles
The Biancocelesti have won two of their last three Serie A matches, equaling the number of victories they achieved in their previous seven games. However, the main issue is their four consecutive winless home games in the league. The last time they went five league matches without a win at Stadio Olimpico was back in 2016, highlighting the urgency to break this negative streak.
Attacking threat and key players
Lazio has shown offensive versatility throughout the season. Captain Mattia Zaccagni and top scorer Taty Castellanos are key figures in their attack. Baroni is expected to take an aggressive approach against bottom-placed Monza, utilizing creativity in midfield and pace on the flanks.
A further boost could come from the return of Nuno Tavares and Manuel Lazzari, who will strengthen the full-back positions. However, defensive absences remain a concern, which Monza might try to exploit.
Monza Analysis
Monza arrives in Rome in a very difficult situation. The last-placed team in Serie A sits eight points below the safety zone and is running out of time to improve their situation.
Poor form and away struggles
Salvatore Bocchetti’s side has lost eight of their last nine league matches, with only Southampton suffering more defeats across Europe’s top five leagues during that period. Furthermore, Monza has lost their last four away games, indicating significant struggles on the road.
Squad changes and key players
The winter transfer window saw significant departures and arrivals for Monza. Key players such as Pablo Marí, Daniel Maldini, and Milan Djurić have left, while new signings like Silvere Ganvoula have been brought in to boost the squad.
The team will likely be without captain Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, and first-choice goalkeeper Stefano Turati for this match, further weakening their squad.
Offensive options are limited, and a major concern is striker Dany Mota, who has failed to score in his last 12 league appearances after netting four goals in the previous four matches.
Betting Tips
- Lazio to win & over 1.5 goals
- Lazio is the clear favorite and should capitalize on Monza’s poor form. Given the visitors’ weak defense, the hosts are likely to score at least twice.
- Lazio to score 2+ goals
- With Lazio’s attacking potential and Monza’s defensive struggles, the home side should be able to find the net more than once.
- Mattia Zaccagni to score anytime
- The Lazio captain is in good form and frequently finds himself in goal-scoring positions, making him a strong candidate to score.
- Halftime/Fulltime – Lazio/Lazio
- Lazio is expected to start aggressively and take the lead in the first half.
Lazio has a great opportunity to end their poor home run against the league’s worst team, and they should take full advantage of it. Monza has been struggling in attack and is unlikely to pose a significant threat unless Lazio makes unexpected defensive errors.
Prediction: Lazio 2-0 Monza
